Apr 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees line the field during the National Anthem before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
5. New York Yankees
The Yankees have a roster full of aging position players that tend to produce a mixed bag of results. It’s been mentioned many times that New York will try to add another big name to their rotation behind Masahiro Tanaka, and Price certainly seems to fit the bill. He’s had success in the American League East as a member of the Rays and Blue Jays, and his good-guy big personality would fit well in New York.
The Boston Glove’s Nick Cafardo reported back in September that the Yankees could make a strong push for Price, and it seems like Brian Cashman will be back to offering out new big checks this offseason after a relatively quiet winter (I reiterate “relatively) an offseason ago.
The Yankees boast a predominantly right-handed staff, and having a top left-hander to pair with Tanaka at the top of the rotation would instantly solidify New York as a contender in an American League East division that seems to be up for grabs in 2016. The Red Sox seem set to undergo major changes this offseason, Toronto is set to lose Price, Marco Estrada and Mark Buehrle, Baltimore is facing the potential departures of Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen and others, and the Rays are headed for an offseason of budget cuts. The East will still be competitive next year, but the Yankees have an opportunity by signing Price to jump the rest with so many opposing rosters in flux.
Next: Number 4: Boston Red Sox