The Red Sox’s signing of David Price removed an ace from the marketplace at a time when multiple clubs were looking for a top-of-the-rotation figure.
Zack Greinke remains in free agency, and there just might be a financial tug-of-war between the heated rival Dodgers and Giants.
But that will leave the loser of that duel – or maybe both teams, should Greinke go elsewhere – plus several others still looking for its pitching leading man.
That is why Shelby Miller is being mentioned so prominently. Half the teams in the majors have called the Braves, and the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Giants are particularly interested.
Jordan Zimmermann, a good pitcher who might be beginning his fade, just signed for $22 million per year with the Tigers (five years, $110 million). Miller will earn roughly that amount, probably a bit more, via arbitration over the next three years combined – his ages 25-to-27 seasons before free agency. His salary and age make him attractive.
That is why Atlanta is asking so much in return. One executive familiar with Atlanta’s thinking said of a potential Miller trade: “[The Braves] need to get the right package, but yes, it’s possible.”
Miller was 6-17 last season, but that had more to do with the Braves than his work. The righty had a 3.02 ERA. His availability speaks to a) Atlanta having stockpiled a lot of high-end pitching prospects in its rebuild and b) the rebuild continuing, with the Braves eyeing positional talent, in particular, in order to move Miller.
The Cubs and Dodgers were linked with Price. The Diamondbacks feel they are a good starter, maybe two, away from being a significant contender.
The Cubs, after their $155 million signing of Jon Lester last offseason and with Jake Arrieta two years from free agency, have some hesitation about doing another nine-figure deal, which is perhaps why Price is a Red Sox and why they might not play deeply in the Greinke market. A trade might be more viable.