Six Reasons Why the Tampa Bay Rays Shouldn't Trade David Price

Can anyone name a time in MLB history where a Cy Young winner was one of the biggest potential trade pieces the following offseason? Well enter David Price.

The Cy Young winner has been rumoured to be somewhat on the trade block and for the future of Tampa Bay Rays baseball, I hope it does not happen.

Here are six reasons why the Rays should not trade David Price. For a counter proposal, please read this article.

Cement the Precedent of Tampa Bay Rays Picks Leaving for Money

This has been one of the biggest problem with any small market team. They cannot keep their players as they become too expensive.

On the heels of the B.J Upton signing with the Atlanta Braves, that is just another big piece of the Rays top draft picks gone. I personally didn't think they should have re-signed Carl Crawford, and that price on Upton could go either way. But if they lost their cornerstone ace, one of the best pitchers in the league, due to him being too expensive, then it would be tough to be a Rays fan.

Toronto Blue Jays

With the Jays becoming an instant powerhouse and the Orioles making the playoffs, the Rays would plummet in the AL East if they traded Price.

The Blue Jays shifted the balance of power in the division, and if the Rays traded Price (who has always dominated the Jays) then they would definitely finish behind the Jays and out of the playoffs.

David Price Is Entering His Prime

At the age of 27, Price is now entering what is known as the prime for a baseball player. It is always dangerous when the guy already has a Cy Young and a runner-up Cy Young award under his belt.

He is the most dynamic lefty in the league, and if you are going to tie your franchise to anybody, wouldn't it be such a dynamic player like Price?

What Does This Say to Longoria? Stanton 2.0

It is no secret that Evan Longoria and David Price are good friends. Coming off of Longoria's long, long-term extension, this would show Longoria that they aren't going to build much during his tenure in Tampa.

Letting one of his good friends walk shows the direction of the team and could upset Longoria to Giancarlo Stanton-like tweet rage!

But really, look at that smile, he could never get that mad.

Coming off His First Cy Young Award

This could be argued both ways. One could argue that his value has never been higher and now would be the time to move him. Quite frankly, if they believe there is no way they can keep him long-term then that might not be a bad play. But for the future of the franchise, they need to keep DP.

Shows No Support for the Tampa Bay Rays Fanbase

If they let Price walk (although he has three years left of team control) then it shows the Rays fans that their tenure in the upper echelon of the AL East is over.

It must be tough for small market teams to see these happenings. The difference between what made the Rays successful in years past, is that they had so many top five picks after so many years of ineptitude. Yet since they have been successful recently, that gravy train is over.

Tough days ahead for the Rays...

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