Report: Anthopoulos planned to offer Price contract

The Toronto Blue Jays' starting rotation might have looked a lot different heading into the winter meetings had Alex Anthopoulos remained with the organization.

Prior to president and CEO Mark Shapiro's takeover in October that ultimately led to Anthopoulos rejecting a five-year deal and his subsequent departure, the former general manager had plans of trying to retain arguably the biggest acquisition of his tenure.

Anthopoulos was prepared to make a contract offer to pending free agent David Price, and began laying the groundwork to do so in August, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.

Following the team's postseason exit, Anthopoulos illustrated his desire to strengthen the pitching staff, saying the organization had sincere interest in bringing Price back, and that it would "be in the game."

Under Shapiro's leadership, the Blue Jays chose not to extend an offer to the five-time All-Star, instead allocating funds to mid-tier pitchers J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada.

While it's unlikely the Blue Jays were willing, or able, to compete with the seven-year, $217-million deal it took for the Boston Red Sox to land their coveted ace, sources told Morosi that Price had genuine interest in returning to Toronto.

During Price's brief stretch in Toronto, the left-hander raved about his time with the Blue Jays, calling his August debut at Rogers Centre the best atmosphere he's ever pitched in.