Red Sox Keeping Xander Bogaerts, Pablo Sandoval, Or Both?
Aug 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder
Jose Bautista(19) celebrates scoring a run with Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
David Price(14) during the fifth inning in a game against the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
3) Sign David Price
Cafardo said, “He’ll be 30 when he hits free agency this offseason, but he will be the only true game-changer among the free agent pitchers. Use the $29 million saved on Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino or the $13 million option on [Clay] Buchholz to contribute toward a true ace.”
That’s possible. It’s also possible that Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz throws Price around the dugout like a rag-doll, with their well-documented, heated relationship. However, a recent development of Price saying that he would be alright with taking his talents to Fenway Park could be a sign that the feud can be put in the past.
Price is set to be a free agent this off-season and he is young enough to carry his prime on for years as a Red Sox ace. If the dollar-tag is to the liking of Boston’s brass, it shouldn’t be problem on their end if it’s not a problem for Price, himself.
Let’s not even dispute the fact that Price would clearly make the Red Sox starting rotation better.
Instead, peek over at the aforementioned, and currently injured, Red Sox ace. Buchholz has often been forgotten as the two-time All-Star and leader of Boston’s pitching staff. Up until he was injured, Buchholz was changing everyone’s minds about him, riding a wave of wins and 107 strikeouts to only 23 walks. In 18 games, he posted a 3.23 ERA which was one of the best in both major leagues. Yes, Price’s ERA is much better at 2.53, but that’s because he’s one of the best to have ever played the game.
Don’t dismiss Buchholz’s injury issue; he may never be back as good as he was. However, if the Red Sox want Price so badly, maybe they could find that extra amount of money somewhere else, and not in the team option on Buchholz.