David Price headlines the 2015 free agent crop. Any team that backs the truck up and pays Price will get a very good pitcher with an established track record. However, signing him does not immediately make that team automatic World Series contenders. Among those teams reportedly considering Price are the Chicago Cubs. Here is why the Cubs would be unwise to sign David Price.
Wade Davis
The fact of the matter is the Cubs really need to add to their bullpen and, if they are going to drop a lot of money on a free agent, current Kansas City Royals closer, Wade Davis, a potential free agent, fills a much bigger need for the Cubs than does Price. Watching Davis in game 6 of the ALCS shows you what the Cubs lack. As a late innings reliever, Davis has been otherworldly. The Royals hold two options on Davis but, for a budget-conscious team, he is pricing himself out of his role in Kansas City.
Julio Teheran, Tyson Ross and Carlos Carrasco
The Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in other pitchers. According to the Chicago Sun Times, "Talks that stalled at the trade deadline are expected to be revisited with teams including the Padres, Indians and Braves for pitchers such as Tyson Ross, Carlos Carrasco and Julio Teheran (the Cubs also covet Cleveland utility man, Lonnie Chisenhall, who would immediately improve the porous outfield defense)."
The Cubs have an excess of bats and middle infielders. When you factor in their desire to attain Lonnie Chisenhall, that will likely mean either Jorge Soler, Javier Baez, Starlin Castro or maybe Kyle Schwarber will not be suiting up for the Cubs next year. The Sun Times article made note that Jorge Soler intrigues the Braves.
Jordan Zimmermann and Yovani Gallardo
Unrestricted free agents, the Cubs could potentially sign both, trade for Teheran and still not pay as much for the three as they would David Price.
Other Possibilities
SportsWorldNews floats the idea of trading Kyle Schwarber. While this seems like an unpopular idea, it does make a lot of sense. Schwarber is a donkey in the field and, ultimately, destined to be banished to the American League and the DH. The Tampa Bay Rays have an abundance of quality young arms and want a big bat. Schwarber is young, cheap and club controllable. All those would make the Rays stand up and take notice.
The Chicago Cubs, if they open their eyes and look, do not need David Price.
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