Boston Red Sox: Top 10 trade value player rankings
By Sean Penney
Age: 31
Contract Status: 6-years, $187 million remaining
Yeah, I know, Price didn’t live up to the sky-high expectations that come with the burden of his record-breaking contract. A 3.99 ERA isn’t what we thought we were getting, but keep in mind he’s only a year removed from leading the league in that category and he still tossed more innings than any pitcher in the majors while striking out nearly a batter per inning.
Say what you want about his postseason track record, but it didn’t stop suitors from lining up when he hit free agency a year ago. His value hasn’t taken much of a hit since, considering that he bounced back from a rocky start to the season to look like the pitcher we expected him to be in the second half. If the Red Sox were to make him available there would be plenty of interest, especially if Boston were willing to eat a portion of the contract.
Price also has an opt-out clause after the 2018 season, so a team banking on him to rebound from his down season may expect him to exercise that clause. If they look at it as a 2-year, $60 million deal then there’s far less risk involved in trading for him.
Now that he’s adjusted to a year in Boston, expect Price to return to form in 2017. Returning to the elite crop of starters will push his trade value further up the list no matter how much money he’s making.