MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL Cy Young candidates through July

4. David Price

Aug 3, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays opening pitcher David Price (14) pitches in the first inning against Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

David Price was one of the biggest names to switch teams prior to last week’s trade deadline, and if he can help snap the Blue Jays’ MLB-longest postseason drought, he will likely receive plenty of love come awards season.

Price took to his new Toronto home quickly on Monday afternoon, throwing eight strong innings against Minnesota in a 5-1 victory. He held the Twins lineup to just three hits while striking out 11 to earn his 10th win of the year. If the future holds more performances like that, both Price’s and the Jays’ respective stocks are sure to rise.

The tall southpaw was well on his way to another sterling campaign even before arriving north of the border. He has a 2.45 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 4.81 K/BB ratio through 154 innings so far this season. Potent bats aren’t lacking in the AL East, but it’s a division Price knows well from his days in Tampa Bay.

Price will need to beat out some fellow big names if he wants to nab his second Cy Young award and become the first since Rick Sutcliffe to win it after being traded midseason. But if one thing is certain, it’s that he’ll be a very popular man when this winter’s free agency period opens.

Next: Pitcher #3