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Detroit Tigers not opposed to letting clubs negotiate extension with David Price

By Michael Natelli

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At 48-50, the Detroit Tigers sit four games back of the Minnesota Twins for the second American League wild card spot entering Monday action. Detroit appears undecided as to whether it will buy or sell, but ace David Price will be its hottest commodity should the Tigers decide to move some expiring contracts.

While finding suitors for Price was never going to be difficult if they made him available, reports from Sunday may have made it even easier for the Tigers to get a return on their star pitcher.

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Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Tigers aren’t necessarily opposed to letting clubs have a window to try and work out an extension with Price before trading for him, as the club has no policy against that. With the former Cy Young award winner currently set to hit the open market in the winter, the chance that Price would suddenly become more than a rental suddenly makes him more marketable to teams like the Cubs, Rangers, Red Sox and others that are focused more on controllable acquisitions than short-term gains.

Price’s agent confirmed that he wouldn’t be opposed to hearing a club out should be be given the option, though also offered up that he was skeptical a deal could come together in such a short window.

Even if he comes on an expiring contract, Price will still be plenty marketable to contending teams. The five-time All-Star boasts a 2.31 ERA with a 9-3 record through 20 starts this year. Price has averaged 7.0 innings per start (140.0 innings across 20 outings), which makes him that much more intriguing to clubs who’ve been forced to lean heavily on their respective bullpens so far this year.

Several reports have the Dodgers, Cubs and Giants as the top candidates to deal for Price, while the Yankees and Blue Jays could also be suitors if they’re willing to part with their respective top prospects.

Next: Will Return Be Right For Tigers To Move Price?

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