Detroit Tigers, David Price start talking contract extension

By Ethan Finkelstein | Mar 25, 2015

Mar 6, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher David Price (14) pitches against the New York Mets during a spring training baseball game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /

David Price and the Detroit Tigers have opened up discussions regarding a contract extension to keep the veteran southpaw and former Cy Young Award winner in the Motor City.

The Detroit Tigers are beginning to open up talks with starting pitcher David Price, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Although nothing has been seriously discussed as of this time, it is a move that is to be expected following the departure of former ace and 2013 American League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer. During MLB‘s free agency period, the veteran right-hander signed a seven year $210 million dollar contract with Washington, where he will join an almost unfair Nationals starting rotation.

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With the recent decline of former Cy Young winner and MVP Justin Verlander, the team could really use an established veteran presence at the front of the rotation. Locking up Price long term would certainly do this for Detroit, although their situation is still a lot better than most teams in this department.

In fact, the team’s third day guy in Anibal Sanchez might have a better argument to pitcher behind Price than Verlander. In 2013, he went 14-8 with a league leading 2.57 ERA (162 ERA+), and 202 strikeouts in 182 innings. His FIP metric, one which factors out a team’s defense, was an even tighter 2.39; tops in the AL as well.

David Price met his agent Bo McKinnis Tuesday night. Talks with Tigers, but no numbers. "I wouldn't even call it groundwork," Price said.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 25, 2015

Though his 2014 campaign was not as rock solid, he still finished the year with a 2.71 FIP mark, well below Verlander’s 3.74.

The fourth and fifth spots are where the questions start to somewhat arise. Alfredo Simon had a decent 2014, even earning an all star selection for his troubles. The former reliever turned starter posted a 15-10 record, to go along with a 3.44 ERA and 127 strikeouts. The cause for concern; a 4.33 FIP, which suggests his defense saved him around one full run per game.

Shane Greene was a breath of fresh young air for the Yankees last season, and his stuff can be rather commanding at times. However, the 26 year old still has some developing to do, but the Tigers should be optimistic about the strides that can be made. Heading into one of the better pitchers parks in the game, his ERA should be expected to drop at least a little.

H/T MLB Trade Rumors

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