Jul 30, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price (14) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Pirates are pursuing Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price. Multiple sources are backing up the rumors this afternoon about 90 minutes before the non-waiver trade deadline. We are hearing that a current Pirates player on the active 25-man roster could go back to the Rays in this rumored deal.
Acquiring the Rays ace is going to take considerable talent, but don’t be surprised if the Pirates make a serious play at getting the left hander out of the American League. The team wants to make an impact on the 2014 ball club and well, adding David Price would be a tremendous pick up after the Cardinals made upgrades to their roster well before the deadline in Justin Masterson and John Lackey.
.@RobertMurrayMLB confirmed my report by saying that the #Pirates are making a strong push for David Price.
— Nick Hamelin (@NickHamelin) July 31, 2014
Wonder if Price trade nets SP with some control back such as Porcello #Tigers Morton #Pirates plus prospects
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2014
Been told #Rays are definitely moving Price
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2014
So #Rays decide getting enough back to think big picture rather than go for it with Price this year
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2014
The Pittsburgh Pirates would have to pay big time to grab Price, but he is controllable next season or could be flipped by the Bucs this offseason if they somehow do acquire Price.
A move like this is a no brainer for the Pirates team, but the price is going to be steep.