On December 2, 2015, the Boston Red Sox signed then free agent David Price to a seven year, $217 million contract
The Boston Red Sox needed to acquire an ace this past offseason and that is just what they got. Even though numerous rumors linked the BoSox to Oakland Athletics’ young ace Sonny Gray, the team ultimately shopped the expansive free agent market for a new starter. As a result, the Sox were able to come back with left-handed starting pitcher David Price in the hopes that he would become the club’s new ace.
Many were wary of how Price would perform — especially for how much the Red Sox were paying him. Was Price really worth a $217 million contract? Most did not think so. But, after a strong spring and an excellent Opening Day start, it has become clear that Price will not only be the Sox ace for 2016, but that he will be primed to win the American League Cy Young Award this year.
During spring training, Price started four games and ended March with a 1-1 record. He maintained a 2.18 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and only allowed five earned runs over 16 innings pitched. Then, during his Opening Day debut, Price continued to pitch well. He went six innings, only gave up two runs and earned a W at the conclusion of the game. Price was able to overcome the chilling 34 degree temperatures in Cleveland and help his team win their first game of the regular season.
Price is no stranger the Cy Young award. He won it in 2012 and came in second place in both 2010 and 2015. If he continues be as successful as he has been so far in 2016, Price will be able to beat out Chris Sales, Chris Archer and many others in order to win the 2016 Cy Young.
Interestingly enough, Price’s debut with the Red Sox is almost identical to his first start in 2012, the year he first won the Cy Young. On April 7, 2012, Price went up against the New York Yankees and he gave up two runs on five hits over 6.1 innings. This past Tuesday, Price gave up two runs on five hits to the Cleveland Indians over six innings pitched. However, he did better with the Red Sox this year for he struck out ten and only walked two. In 2012, he walked four and struck out just five batters. These two serendipitous outings are perhaps a sign of how successful Price will be this upcoming season.
I am not the only one predicting that Price has what it takes to win the AL Cy Young award. NESN thinks that Price has a 1 in 4 chance of winning. The Baltimore Sun staff have Price taking the AL Cy Young. Even when he is not predicted to win the award, he is still very close in the running.
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Now, I will mention that Price was not perfect during his Opening Day debut. He did get into a jam in the fourth, but was able to get out of the inning. Additionally, he has struggled in the past — particularly in the postseason. However, this is a new era for Price. He is ready to prove that he can be that ace for the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox have not really had a dominant Opening Day start by an ace like Price in a long time. Maybe even as far back as the Pedro Martinez era. The pressure was put on Price to perform this year after signing such a big contract and that is exactly what he did on Tuesday against the Indians. He will continue to prove his worth throughout the entire season and Price’s hard work will earn him the 2016 American League Cy Young Award.