Source: Toronto “far and away” David Price’s first choice

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There has been plenty of speculation as to where star left-handed pitcher David Price will end up in free agency. Teams that have been reported to have interest in Price include the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and many others. However, they are not Price’s preferred choice.

According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, Price and his agent, Bo McKinnis, have made it clear that playing in Toronto for the Blue Jays is “far and away [Price’s] first choice.”

Price loves Toronto and “relishes” the attention he is getting as a superstar, which he may not get elsewhere, making Toronto his top choice, the source said.

In free agency, Price is likely to land a contract north of $200 million and the Blue Jays, if they choose to sign Price, can afford him.

Price, 30, was acquired by the Blue Jays in a blockbuster trade before the July 31 trade deadline and in only 11 starts in Toronto, he flourished, going 9-1 with a 2.30 ERA and a 87/18 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

With both the Detroit Tigers and Blue Jays, Price had one of his best seasons, going 18-5 with a 2.45 ERA and a 225/45 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

It’s unclear how far talks with the two sides have gone, but if Price really wants to go to Toronto, the Blue Jays need to make it happen. Having a star pitcher of Price’s caliber at the top-of-the-rotation, combined with the Blue Jays’ offense, makes them a legitimate threat to advance deep in the playoffs yet again.

Stay tuned.

Follow Robert Murray on Twitter: @RobertMurrayBBE.