St. Louis Cardinals, Not Mariners, Favorite To Get David Price

The Seattle Mariners may not have to wait much longer to see if they are going to acquire Tampa Bay ace David Price.

According to a report by Bob Nightengale, Price had the red carpet rolled out for him as the Rays played the Cardinals in St. Louis.

He had meals paid for him – like he needs that – he was greeted by fans and many were expressing hope that he would be traded to St. Louis.

Nightengale quotes an AL executive in saying that the Cardinals are now the most likely destination for Price.

What does this mean for the Mariners?

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It means Seattle can focus on improving the most glaring need on this club, offense.

It also doesn’t mean the Mariners are out of the running for Price just yet. And you could find four different reports with quotes from four different executives who say Price is going to four different teams.

It’s all been speculation.

However, I believe the M’s don’t continue to push for Price and instead wait for the return of James Paxton – which would be like having a late-season signing.

With a rotation of Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, Chris Young, Taijuan Walker and Paxton, the M’s should feel pretty comfortable.

The team can now focus their trade chips on acquiring a decent right-handed bat that can play in the outfield.

But needless to say, this isn’t over. It won’t be over until Price is moved, or July 31 passes and he is still with the Rays.

It just looks a lot less likely to happen for Seattle than it did yesterday.