The Toronto Blue Jays made the biggest acquisition before the trade deadline and landed David Price even after rumors indicated he'd likely be headed elsewhere. Their next obstacle will be attempting to re-sign him in the offseason, but they'll have some competition with other contending MLB clubs.
The Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants remain possible destinations for the left-hander, but Toronto perhaps has the greatest advantage due to a number of factors: they'll get first dibs on him in the offseason; the team is poised to make the postseason for the first time in 21 years; and they boast the MLB's best offense.
However, nothing is guaranteed, especially since Price is the most coveted free agent.
"The Jays hope they have a chance to sign David Price," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. "Things have gone as well as anyone could have hoped, but the Jays know it won't be easy. The Blue Jays have the revenue to make a run at him."
Price hasn't discussed his impending free agent status at great length because he wants to focus on the 2015 season, but he has been outspoken about how he likes the city of Toronto because of its unwavering support and energy.
"Price is greatly enjoying his time in Toronto and he'd be open to staying," FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal said over the weekend.
Last week it was noted if new team president Mark Shapiro gets the OK from ownership, he's going to do all he can to keep Price.
"The Dodgers and Giants also tried to trade for him in July, they've got money. The Cubs have had a longstanding interest in Price even before Joe Maddon, and don't rule out the Red Sox now that Dave Dombrowski is club president."
It'll be interesting to see where Price ends up after this season. Last week the left-hander said he's "not going anywhere because of a GM, because of a coach, or because of anyone." Each of the aforementioned MLB teams provides Price with an ample opportunity to win a World Series for years to come, so who he'll choose is a mystery.
The Blue Jays can certainly help their case by making a World Series run this year. Right now Toronto is the favorite to win it all, according to Bovada Sportsbook. Will that convince Price to spend his foreseeable future in Canada?
