USA Today has reported that general manager Dave Dombrowski is now looking to deal two upcoming free agents, David Price and Yoenis Cespedes as the team looks to unload some salary and add some young prospects in return.
With several teams in the race for the post season, rumors have already started on potential landing spots. Price is the biggest name as the ace starting pitcher has both the experience and leadership skills any MLB team would want.
One club that could use some help on the mound and has already been linked with interest in acquiring a starter is Toronto as the Blue Jays are just 4.5 games back in the AL East race. With just a few days left until the July 31 deadline, it will take a big effort from the ‘Jays front office, but the risk-reward is high for a player with the skill level of Price.
The left-handed ace is having a terrific season in Detroit with a 9-3 record and an impressive 2.32 ERA, the lowest in his eight full years in the Majors. The 29-year-old is 95-54 in his career and with over eight strikeouts per nine innings pitched, his overpowering stuff is perfect late in the year.
Toronto has been rumored to have interest in Cincinnati Reds starter Johnny Cueto, who is also 29-years-old and has the ability to throw the heat, but Price has been more consistent in his career and the better choice, assuming the Blue Jays could sign the former first round draft pick to a new contract.
The front office does have a decision to make, go the cheap route or grab one of these big name stars. An ace at the front of the rotation would increase their chances of winning games and give them the best shot at catching the New York Yankees over the course of the second half of the 2015 season.
