For now, David Price is a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. After facing trade rumors for most of the offseason, the Cy Young winner has yet to go anywhere. Now that the Tampa Bay Rays have signed him to a one-year contract, will Price be a part of the long-term plans?
The Rays announced on Thursday that Price has signed a $14 million, one-year contract and will remain with the franchise for the foreseeable future. The contract does not eliminate the chances of a trade, but certainly makes one more difficult. ESPN's Buster Olney reported that many rival executives believe will remain with the Rays for the entire 2014 season after the trade market failed to materialize.
"I still have the mindset moving forward that I want to be with the Rays," Price said, via ESPN.com. "I want to be part of it. I think we're going to have a really good season."
Price noted that if he is not traded by spring training, he expects the rumors to stop, saying it would "leave a bad taste in his mouth."
The 2012 AL Cy Young winner has had plenty of speculation regarding his future after going 10-8 last season with a 3.33 ERA. He earned upwards of $10 million in salary and is set for free agency in 2015. He had his first stint on the disabled list after straining his tricep, but helped lead the team going 9-4 with a 2.53 ERA after coming back to the team in July.
So what factors could play into Price's trade market? Many believe that nothing will happen with available pitchers until Masahiro Tanaka signs with a team. Multiple clubs are interested in the Japanese pitcher, including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Settle Mariners. His signing deadline is Jan. 24. Whichever teams miss out on Tanaka could explore a trade for Price despite his very expensive one-year contract.
Injuries could also play a factor. The Texas Rangers have lost starter Derek Holland for the first half of the season after the pitcher underwent micro-fracture surgery on his left knee. The team has been on the hunt for another big arm and this injury could push them to make a move.
The Rays certainly have reason to keep Price. The team is hoping to contend for a World Series in 2014 and Price will be a key to that effort. The pitcher will be expensive when he hits free agency. He will likely earn the next big contract when his contract runs out so teams need to be smart with their interest.
