MLB Trade Rumors: Tigers On Brink of Trading All-Star David Price and Yoenis Cespedes
The Detroit Tigers have reportedly put All-Star pitcher David Price and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on the trading block. The two stars have expiring contracts and will become free agents.
USA TODAY Sports reported that the Tigers will be informing teams that their two players will be available before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. General manager Dave Dombrowski stated, however, that they have not finalized their decision yet.
"At this point our focus is trying to win right now. We're trying to do everything we can to qualify for the playoffs," Dombrowski said. "Things can turn dramatically over a 10-game period. But you have to play well, at some point, on a consistent basis. We're at a point where we have to do what's best in our heart for the franchise."
The Tigers are currently 10 games behind the Kansas City Royals, who are leading the AL Central. They are just four games out of the Wild Card slot.
Dombrowski added, "We haven't been in this spot for a lengthy period of time."
Despite being sellers this time around, Dombrowski's statements suggest that the Tigers are not looking to teardown and rebuild their team. Instead, they remain hopeful that they can still contend for the playoffs.
"We have more good young players than people think," Dombrowski said. "We have a core of good young position players that are really going to be good for a number of years...We're not thinking of rebuilding, but if we have to, it would be a case of regrouping."
If the Tigers plan on remodeling, they will definitely be able to get some valuable additions with their two stars. Price, who is one of the top pitchers in the league right now, has a 9-3 record with a 2.32 ERA. Aside from his pitching skills, Price is one of the best role models in the league.
James Duncan of Bleacher Report wrote:
"The circumstances simply shout sell. The time is now for this organisation to look beyond the present and toward the future. And I mean right now. The Tigers have a 10-day window to do business, and they possess arguably the biggest fish (potentially) in the trade pond. There is no confirmation that Detroit is, in fact, a seller. But if it is, nobody would be more attractive to teams needing a pitcher than David Price...
The Dodgers, Cardinals and Yankees all spring to mind as potentially interested parties. The latter two both fit the criteria of needing an ace to lead their rotation. Los Angeles always possesses the wealth and desire to acquire marquee players, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports recently reported that it is gunning for a top arm in the trade market."
Although not as desirable of Price, power-hitter Cespedes, who is hitting .292 with 13 homeruns and 52 RBIs as of Monday, will also draw interest from contending teams. He is currently leading the league in doubles with 27.
