Trade or Not, Price Won’t Return to Tigers, Fox Sports Report Says

SB Nation appears to be putting their money on the Cubs.

As play begins on July 24, the Cubs find themselves in third place in the National League Central division, nine games behind the division-leading St. In addition, the Cubs trail the Pittsburgh Pirates by only three games for the first N.L. Wild Card position. Rather, who are the Cubs willing to give up?

If the Detroit Tigers want to keep slugger Yoenis Cespedes for future seasons, the team might just need to deal the left fielder before the trade deadline, according to a column from FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal. Levine notes that at least eight teams are expected to express an interest in trading for Price but the Cubs may match up best with the Tigers.

The Cubs are in the market for a starting pitcher, but reports have been scattered as to what level of pitcher the team is interested in adding.

Levine also says, “Both the Cubs and Tigers are scouting each other’s systems in the event a swap can be agreed to.”

This scenario can also help the Tigers in dealing with David Price.

The ace left-hander has been stellar in 2015, posting a 9-3 record with a 2.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 19 starts, and he would immediately become the Cubs’ top starter. It’s been well over a century since the franchise has won it all but if it could land Price, the Cubs could have a chance to break the curse.

It remains to be seen what the Tigers will do with Price, but one thing is clear: The Cubs will be heavily involved in the Price sweepstakes. There’s still the possibility that a three or four game winning streak puts them right back into contention.

Despite the tantalizing thought of Lester, Arrieta, and Price atop the rotation, the reality is that the Cubs have no reason to be antsy.

Thus, the Tigers will likely want to receive a nice package of young players and prospects for Price, since they will likely not re-sign him.

If Detroit did trade Cespedes, it would miss out on negotiating with him until that five-day window is over. The Oakland Athletics traded Scott Kazmir to the Houston Astros earlier in the day.

However, in Chicago, Price could become much more.

If they think they have a shot this year, they absolutely need Price in that rotation. The Rays reached the 2008 World Series in Price’s debut season, and they have contended every year since.

No, chances are the Tigers will not re-sign Price in the offseason. Price might ask for five or six years at $25 million per year.