MLB playoffs 2015: 9 biggest stars of the postseason

David Price, Toronto Blue Jays

For the second consecutive year in 2015, David Price was involved in a blockbuster deal at the MLB trade deadline.

In 2014, the left-handed ace was dealt from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Detroit Tigers in a three-team deadline deal. One year later, the Tigers shipped Price to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a trio of pitching prospects.

Price arrived in Toronto with a 2.53 ERA through the first four months of the season, and has managed to surpass the expectations generated from his spectacular start. Since joining his new team, the 30-year old lefty has posted a 2.30 ERA. During this stretch, he is also recording career-bests in strikeouts (10.5), hits (6.9) and home runs (0.5) per nine innings.

Most importantly, though, he give the Blue Jays a much needed ace in their starting rotation.

Toronto had one of the worst team ERAs in baseball during the first half of the season, and have not seen tremendous improvement as a whole in the second half. Justin Verlander has looked much more like the 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award-winner than the pitcher that recorded a 5.04 ERA through his first nine starts this season, but his inconsistency is undoubtedly an area for concern.

Price could turn out to be a one-year rental for the Blue Jays, as he becomes a free agent this offseason. But for now, he gives Toronto a reliable ace capable of taking over a postseason game on the mound.

Next: Zack Greinke, Toronto Blue Jays