5 moves the Dodgers should make at the MLB trade deadline

Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; American League pitcher David Price (14) of the Detroit Tigers throws against the National League during the fourth inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 4, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher David Price (14) pitches in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Rumors of Detroit Tigers ace David Price hitting the trading block have emerged in recent days. As a result, he could very well become the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top option at the upcoming MLB trade deadline.

The Tigers are currently only four games back of the Houston Astros for the final wildcard spot in the American League, but if they continue their recent skid and drop further out of the playoff race, Detroit could very possibly become sellers as the deadline looms closer.

"“At this point, our focus is trying to win right now,” Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski told USA Today. “We’re trying to do everything we can to qualify for the playoffs. Things can turn dramatically over a 10-game period. But you have to play well, at some point, on a consistent basis. We’re at a point where we have to do what’s best in our heart for the franchise.”"

With two-time MVP Miguel Cabrera out for another month with a calf injury, and pitcher Justin Verlander having his worst statistical year in virtually every category, the Tigers appear to have little choice.

Price is in the midst of a career season, and is certain to not come cheap. He has posted a 2.32 earned run average this year, his best since becoming a full-time starter in 2009. His strikeout numbers are slightly above his career average as well.

At 29-years old, the left-handed ace is still in the prime of his career. Consequently, it will take a big offer including multiple top prospects to lure him away from Detroit.

Considering the emergence of Jose Iglesias at shortstop, the Tigers would likely not require Corey Seager in a deal, the best prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system. At least some combination of infielder Hector Olivera and pitchers Julio Urias and Jose De Leon would have to go, however, if not all three.

Price is scheduled to hit the free agent market this offseason, but given the Dodgers’ willingness to spend money in an attempt to build a championship contender, there is no reason to believe they would not have a legitimate shot to re-sign the former Cy Young Award winner.

Next: Aquire Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies

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