Should the Mets target David Price in a trade?

Mets fans can cross Tim Lincecum off their wish list, but the market for talented lefties isn’t dry yet. Earlier today, ESPN’s Mark Simon took an in-depth look at how Rays pitcher David Price might fit into the Mets’ offseason plans.

With Matt Harvey likely out for all of the 2014 season after successful Tommy John surgery, the Mets have been linked to a number of potentially available starters. Price’s resume speaks for itself, Simon explains:

Price's appeal is obvious. He is among the game's top starting pitchers over the last four seasons. He has a 3.02 ERA over the last four seasons (in which he's averaged 31 starts) pitching for a team in the hitter-heavy AL East. He has very good strikeout numbers, an AL-low walks per nine in 2013 and doesn't allow a lot of home runs. He's in the prime of his career and has significant big-game experience.

But Price would cost the Mets a lot in prospects. Simon cites his ESPN colleague Jim Bowden’s opinion that it might require a package that includes Zack Wheeler to get the job done. Ultimately, Simon admits that would be too much to give up for the current Mets team.

If the Mets do pass on Price, there are some intriguing free-agent options that can fill the hole in their rotation until prospects like Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero are believed to be ready. The team has already been linked to Bronson Arroyo, but higher upside options like Josh Johnson or Scott Kazmir could also be available.