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MLB Trade Rumors: Do the Dodgers have a deal on the table for David Price?

The Dodgers said this week that they are not interested in trading for David Price. But Stan Kasten's comments indicate otherwise.

By Ray Guilfoyle
Jared Wickerham

At the start of the Winter Meetings, the Dodgers were one of the teams considered the favorites to land Rays ace David Price, but as early as Wednesday, that possibility appeared to be waning. This from Jon Heyman:

One of the reasons could be that the Dodgers want to start Phase 2 of their process of reshaping the organization where they rebuild their farm system. Right now, their farm system has 3-4 Top 100 prospects outfielder Joc Pederson, shortstop/third baseman Corey Seager, pitcher Julio Urias and pitcher Zack Lee.

To get a deal done with the Rays for Price, they would probably have to give up two of those top four and a lower rated prospect, or possibly three of the top four prospects. Doing that depletes their fan system in a big way, so there is a thought that Price is too expensive for their liking, right now.

But, then we got this piece from Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times:

Under new ownership, the Dodgers are rebuilding a decimated minor league system, adding and keeping prospects rather than trading the best ones away.

"There comes a time when you have to bite down hard and say you're going to do it," Dodgers President Stan Kasten said Thursday.

The names to watch include infielder Corey Seager, outfielder Joc Pederson, and pitchers Zach Lee, Julio Urias, Chris Reed and Ross Stripling. If those six all report to Camelback Ranch in Arizona in February, then the Dodgers indeed have bitten down hard.

Of course, if the Tampa Bay Rays decide to trade ace David Price this winter, the Dodgers might bite on that instead.

"There are deals on the table that include top prospects," Kasten said, speaking generally. "I can't say we have any plans to move them."

So, it sounds like the Dodgers DO have an offer on the table for Price. Maybe? I just wonder what it will cost to get Price, as stated before. I wrote this piece earlier this offseason discussing the same, and many felt the Dodgers would have to give up their top three prospects. That, to me, is very expensive.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Price moved within the next week or so. The Rays are in a spot where they probably cannot sign him long term, and I doubt they would trade him in July as they will probably be contending for a division or wild card spot. His value is greatest right now, and Rays GM Andrew Friedman is one of the best in the game in extracting the most value in trades. All you have to do is look at what he received in return for James Shields last offseason. It is pretty telling.

We have discussed this before, but what would it take for the Dodgers to land Price? Make sure you vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments section.