Report: David Price Bidding Expected To Reach $210M Range

(CBS) The bidding for free agent left-hander David Price is expected to reach the $210-million range, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reported Sunday.

That would be a payday similar to the one right-hander Max Scherzer received from the Nationals last January, as he inked a seven-year, $210-million deal.

Locally, this is notable because the Cubs are one of Price's suitors. Chicago has time and again expressed a desire to add a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, and it's viewed as one of the serious contenders for Price's services because of his relationship with Cubs manager Joe Maddon. Price played for Maddon from 2008-'14 in Tampa Bay.

The Cubs signed left-hander Jon Lester to a $155-million deal last offseason. A contract in that range is believed to be in the picture again for Chicago, but $210 million may be a little too pricey. So Price's destination could ultimately be decided by how much the financial aspect -- say, around the final $50 million or so -- factors into his decision.

The Red Sox are viewed as the favorites to land Price by many because of president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowksi's relationship with Price and because money may be no object to them. The Blue Jay, Cardinals, Giants and Dodgers are also expected to be suitors for Price, the Globe reported.

Price, 30, went 18-5 with a 2.45 ERA in 2015 in time split with the Tigers and Blue Jays.

The Cubs' pursuit of Price may become more focused following Sunday's news that right-hander Jordan Zimmermann agreed to a five-year, $110-million deal with the Tigers. Zimmermann was also a potential target for Chicago.

MLB's Winter Meetings begin Sunday in Nashville.