David Price: 3 Best Fantasy Free Agent Locations
By Brad Kelly
David Price joins the bevy of ace free agent starters heading into 2016 and his fantasy value could be boosted if he could land in some beneficial locations. Now I will concede that Price has showed that he can pitch against the best of the best, so he will remain a high value target in drafts no matter what.
Price may have scuffled some in the playoffs for the Blue Jays but it should not be lost on anyone that Price actually had one of his better seasons last year. He saw solid peripheral improvements across the board and has showed no signs of slowing down. He actually decreased his FIP by nearly a run over the second half of the season and increased his K total by nearly 2 per game after joining the Jays.
What I have always liked about Price is that he has been a rock steady fantasy SP1 and can be depended on every season. He has done it since he flourished in Tampa and he should be continually targeted as one of the first pitchers taken. Since 2010, he has had only one season where he hasn’t eclipsed the 200 innings pitched mark, 186 in 2013, so that kind of durability is invaluable on its own.
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So heading into 2016 here are three locations that serve Price as suitable fantasy landing spots.
Los Angeles Dodgers
For some reason I think that the Dodgers may be actually outbid by crazy offer for Greinke, so the Dodgers would be forced to look for the next dependable starter on the market. Price fits that bill, as he has the acumen and skill to provide the Dodgers with another innings eater behind Kershaw. It would also be nice for Price to finally escape the horrors of the AL, especially the AL East, so a move to the NL would be undoubtedly a fantasy boost. If he lands here move him up your ranks.
Detroit Tigers
Price did great during his Tigers tenure, 9 W/2.53 ERA/138 K/146 IP, so he certainly has shown that he can excel there. The Tigers desperately need to fill the void that Max Scherzer left, so brining back Price would be a great start. They would then not only retain Price, but also get the benefit of adding their trade deadline haul from the Jays in the process so it would be the best of both worlds for Detriot. The Tigers are not shy on opening up the budget so bringing Price back is definitely in the realm of possibilities. If he returns, look for more of the same results from the first half of last season over the course of 2016, making him once again a must have.
Chicago Cubs
Price to the Cubs will certainly dominate all free agent talks as it seems like the deal is basically done already. Factor in that the Cubs need another stud behind Arrieta, their prospects quick transition to the bigs and the familiarity with Joe Maddon, and it seems like it makes too much sense for him to land in Chicago. Like with the Dodgers, the NL would be a welcome sign for Price and there isn’t a better free agent clubhouse that he would be accustomed to than Chicago. This seems like his most likely landing spot, so if that happens bump him up your rankings and enjoy his move to the friendly confines of Wrigley.