Report: Blue Jays not a major factor in Price sweepstakes
David Price made it clear he thoroughly enjoyed pitching in Toronto after being acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Detroit Tigers, but a reunion with the Blue Jays may be unlikely.
The Blue Jays aren't expected to be a major factor in Price's free agency, according to sources close to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Several big-market clubs are poised to make a run at the highly coveted southpaw, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Dodgers and Red Sox certainly have the financial resources to land Price, who is projected to command a seven-year, $191-million contract, but Rosenthal believes other factors besides money will come into play.
Related: Red Sox will generate highest offer to Price
Price's old manager, Joe Maddon, led a Cubs squad beaming with young talent on a deep playoff run last year. Chicago's front office is prepared to make a sizable financial commitment to improve its pitching depth behind Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, and Price said last July winning the World Series with the Cubs would be the "coolest."
It's an even year, and that means, by rule, the Giants should win the World Series in 2016. San Francisco, guided by mastermind Bruce Bochy, claimed championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014, respectively. And the losses of Tim Lincecum, Mike Leake, and Ryan Vogelsong, paired with the retirement of Tim Hudson, have freed up a considerable amount of cash for a potential big signing.
Rosenthal also believes the Cardinals are now in play. St. Louis is only about a five-hour drive from Price's residence in Nashville, and obviously boasts a proven winning culture any player would be happy to integrate into.
Toronto, which may be considered as a dark horse in the Price sweepstakes, is attempting to capture Price's heart, however. The team's rabid fan base is going to extreme measures this fall in an attempt to convince him to stay, and ownership, albeit reluctantly, does have the resources to satisfy Price's demands.
Related: Blue Jays fans launch parody site to keep Price in Toronto
Price finished second in American League Cy Young voting behind Houston's Dallas Keuchel, recording an 18-5 record with a 2.45 ERA and 225 strikeouts over 220 1/3 innings.