Report: Tigers Won't Make A Decision On Moving David Price Until Next Week
(CBS) The sweepstakes for Tigers ace David Price will likely last until just before the non-waiver trade deadline next Friday.
Privately, Detroit is saying it won't make a decision on Price's fate until next week, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported. The Tigers haven't publicly said one way or another if they'll be buyers or sellers. If they're playing for the future, moving free agent-to-be Price would be a no-brainer. The Tigers are four games behind the Twins for the second wild-card spot in the American League.
The Cubs have already had discussions about Price with Tigers officials, 670 The Score's Bruce Levine reported Wednesday. Chicago hasn't shown any willingness to part with its best young players -- Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler -- and won't give up premium talent to acquire a rental player, according to Levine and other reports. The Cubs are open to moving Starlin Castro and/or Javier Baez, ESPN.com has reported.
At least eight teams are expected to pursue Price if the Tigers are to move him. That includes the Dodgers, who have Price atop their wish list, USA Today reported. Their desire would be to run out a three-headed pitching monster of Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Price in the playoffs. In July, Kershaw and Greinke have combined to allow just one run in 56 innings, an ERA of 0.16.
The 29-year-old Price is 9-3 with a 2.31 ERA and 1.09 WHIP this season, the latter two marks better than his career averages. He's expected to command a long-term contract of around six years that's worth at least $25 million annually when he hits the open market this offseason.
The Cubs and Tigers have been scouting each other's farm systems in preparation for a potential deal. The Cubs were reportedly in attendance for Price's start Thursday as well.
