The one way the Cubs should pursue, and acquire, David Price now
Detroit Tigers ace David Price is reportedly about to be on the block. The Chicago Cubs are reportedly the frontrunner to sign the lefty when he becomes a free agent after the season.
If the Cubs go after him now to fortify their rotation down the stretch, they'll have to part with top prospects. And even then, Price can still bail in the offseason if, for some reason, Wrigley didn't suit him after all.
Even with Price's favored former manager in Tampa Bay, Joe Maddon, leading the Cubs, it can also be risky to wait. Sure, Chicago would hold onto its prospects, but when free agency starts, Price can be wooed by big-money clubs from coast to coast, get stars in his eyes and have a change of heart.
However, there is one fail-safe way to get Price now and keep him in a Cubs uniform later.
Columnist Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune hatched this plan:
"Cut a deal with the Tigers only after Price agrees to sign a new contract that guarantees his Cubs future into the next decade. Don’t wait for free agency. Prospects and a major league player or two is the cost of hijacking the best free agent before he becomes a free agent. Play out the free-agent craziness now. Start at Lester’s numbers. Expect to reach Max Scherzer’s pay. Ballpark figure: close to $30 million a year for seven years and an option for an eighth. The Cubs certainly expect to go shopping in that kind of neighborhood this winter, so get it done now, before the Yankees hit the ATM."
Price would immediately become the Cubs' No. 1 in the rotation, and it appears that Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta would have no problem sharing the mound spotlight with Price, as a recent Twitter conversation that started when Lester praised Arrieta's outing, then a fan jumped in daydreaming of Price becoming the No. 3 pitcher in the rotation. Arrieta got a good chuckle at that, and then Price got in on the act.
How about @JArrieta34 yesterday?! Great to take 2 out of 3 in ATL, look for Clayton to continue the trend and his comeback tonight! #NVRQT
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) July 20, 2015
@JLester34 @JArrieta34 You two make a great 1-2 punch. Wouldn't @DAVIDprice14 be an excellent #3?
— Darron (@Darron1908) July 20, 2015
@Darron1908 @JLester34 @DAVIDprice14 Price a #3? ??
— Jake Arrieta (@JArrieta34) July 20, 2015
Jake I always loved you...but that right there makes me love u more!! RT @JArrieta34: @Darron1908 @JLester34 @DAVIDprice14 Price a #3? ??
— David Price (@DAVIDprice14) July 20, 2015
As the trade deadline nears, the chatter will grow louder. Price, one of the game's dominant arms and boasting postseason experience, is about to hit the market. It's up to the Cubs decide if they're better off making a move now or waiting and hoping he'll pick them this winter.
(h/t Chicago Tribune)
Photo Credit: Kathy Willens/AP Photo
