Following the blockbuster 3-team deal including David Price at the Trade Deadline, many were left wondering if the package sent to Tampa Bay was enough for the former Cy Young award winner. David Price was acquired by the Detroit Tigers, outfielder Austin Jackson was sent to Seattle, and Drew Smyly, Nick Franklin and Willy Adames headed to Tampa Bay. 

In comparison to several other deals the Rays have pulled off in the past including a frontline starting pitcher, the return for Price, who is arguably the best pitcher in franchise history, seems rather under whelming.

With Franklin and Adames still developing down in the minors, the only piece received by the Rays that can be showcased at the Major League level at this point is lefty Drew Smyly. 

Taking the rotation spot of David Price is no easy task, and only a handful of pitchers in baseball could effectively compensate for his absence. However, Smyly has been nothing short of sensational since joining the Rays.

Following his debut start in Oakland, in which he didn't pitch poorly but took the loss, allowing three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, the southpaw has been flat out dominant. In his three starts since, Smyly has hurled 23 2/3 innings, surrendering a total of two earned runs while striking out 17 batters and walking just four. 

He's seemingly improved every time he's taken the hill. In his most recent start, the 25-year-old had the best start of his young career. He hurled a two-hit shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays. So far he has been everything the Rays could have asked for and then some.

Smyly has used his filthy wipe-out slider to perfection and has continued his dominance over left-handed hitters. They are hitting just .166 against him this season. He has gotten into trouble when he has left the ball up in the zone, but that has been a rare occurrence during his short stint with Tampa Bay. 

Granted it's a microscopic sample size in comparison to a full Major League season, but what the young man has shown has been extremely impressive. What needs to be recognized is that Smyly is not here to replace David Price. He is here to add quality depth to a young, but ultra-talented Rays' pitching staff. 

In a rotation that will soon enough feature Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi, Smyly doesn't need to worry about filling the shoes of the ace that was David Price. The emergence of Alex Cobb has solidified his place as the clear-cut No. 1 pitcher of the Tampa Bay staff.

Realistically, the ceiling for a pitcher like Smyly is a No. 3 in a Major League rotation, and in one that's as stacked as the Rays' rotation, maybe a No. 4 or No. 5. Talent wise, Smyly has tons of potential. His mix of pitches is already very developed and effective, and most importantly, he really knows how to pitch. He's not overpowering by any means but he uses his vast arsenal to consistently get hitters out. 

Although the David Price trade still cannot be properly evaluated, first impressions of Smyly have been all positive. Expect him to be a big part of the future of this club, and hopefully manage to excel as a member of the perennial playoff contending Tampa Bay Rays.