MLB Free Agency Begins Saturday: Where David Price May Be Going?

MLB's free agency starts tomorrow and now begins the time for teams to dream of tomorrow's glories, just so long as they have the money to finance that dream. This year's list of unrestricted free agents can easily make an instant contender of any one of a number of teams. Heading the list is, of course, David Price, who looks to get somewhere near Clayton Kershaw type numbers. Will that come from the southside of Chicago?

MLBTradeRumors have their idea where the top fifty free agents are going. Topping the list is, of course, David Price. One of the top pitchers in the game, Price is going to need a much bigger wallet because he is about to get paid. Before you point out Price's lack of playoff success, you need only glance over at Clayton Kershaw's recent 7 yr $215 million dollar extension to know that that really doesn't matter much. An argument could be made for and against Price being a better pitcher than Kershaw but he has one distinct advantage going for him that could see him get a deal comparable to Kershaw's. He is available to be had. The Los Angeles Dodgers probably do not have any plans to relinquish Clayton Kershaw anytime soon.

Price is no slouch numbers wise, either. Both he and Kershaw have been in the league for 8 yrs. David Price will be 30 when the 2016 season begins and Kershaw will be 28. In their 8 yrs, Kershaw has recorded 114 wins to Price's 104. Both have lost 56. Bear in mind, Kershaw has spent his entire career in the National League, where as Price has spent all his time in the American League. As well, Dodger Stadium last year was one of the most pitcher friendly parks in baseball, registering a .918 on Park Factor for runs. That was good for 23 best on the hitter friendly scale. Combined with the fact that Kershaw has the luxury of facing the opposing pitcher a couple of times, Price's career 3.09 ERA isn't as big a gulf from Kershaw's 2.43.

In the end, Price's payday is coming. He may not be as good as Kershaw but he is as near as any team will get right now. MLB TradeRumors likes the Chicago Cubs to land Price at 7 yrs and $217 million.

The dark horse, at least, according to The Sporting News online, could be the state of California, with the exception of San Diego. Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Francisco all have significant interest and the available cash to act on that interest. Don't just assume, Chicago.