For the first time since 2008, it appears as if the Detroit Tigers will be sellers at the trade deadline.
As the Tigers sit 9 1/2 games behind the Royals for first place in the AL Central (4 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot), they will reportedly make starting pitcher David Price and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes available to be dealt by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports:
Tigers president and GM Dave Dombrowski told USA Today that no final decision has been made, but he said the team plans to "do what's best in our heart for the franchise."
Dombrowski also told USA Today that they will wait as long as they can before making any moves.
"At this point," Dombrowski said, "our focus is trying to win right now. We're trying to do everything we can to qualify for the playoffs. Things can turn dramatically over a 10-game period. But you have to play well, at some point, on a consistent basis."
The Tigers acquired Price, 29, from Tampa Bay last season, giving up pitcher Drew Smyly, center fielder Austin Jackson and shortstop prospect Willy Adames. Nightengale suggests that Detroit feels they can get a similar return for Price this year, despite the fact that he will be a free agent at the end of the season. The right-hander is 9-3 with a 2.32 ERA and 1.114 WHIP this season. He's racked up 127 strikeouts and 26 walks in 132 innings. Price would be the most talented pitcher available in this year's sellers market.
The 29-year-old Cespedes was acquired from Boston this offseason for righty Rick Porcello. The speedy left fielder is hitting .289 with 13 homers, 52 RBI and leads all of MLB in doubles with 27.
Dombrowski noted that even if moves are made this year, the team would see it as "regrouping and not rebuilding."
(h/t USA TODAY Sports)
