Red Sox: What if Boston never overpaid to sign David Price?

The Addition of Left-Hander David Price

The Red Sox had outbid several clubs in acquiring Price’s services. Some were shocked as this was the same guy that plunked Ortiz in the past causing a bit of bad blood. But then again, some forgot that Porcello drilled Kevin Youkilis in the past as well. Perhaps all was forgiven. The Red Sox had finally come to terms with Price on a mega contract deal worth $217 million over the next seven seasons with an opt out in 2018.

The St. Louis Cardinals had also put in a bid for his services at $180 million for 7 years. The difference between the two? Just the $37 million dollars more. Price chased the bank and found himself in the American League East division for the third time in career. Was it all worth it? The pressure was surely higher in Boston than it ever would have been in Toronto or Tampa Bay. Neither club really had a chance as long as the Red Sox and Yankees were in the same division.

Another last place finish would not have been deemed acceptable for the Sox, they needed to do something. Price had always been great during the regular season. The postseason, however, was a different story. Price had tasted the ALDS, ALCS, and World Series and oddly enough had recorded one of his two wins against the Sox back in 2012 during the ALCS. Still, since 2013, Price has had one bad start after another in the playoffs. Clearly, something that needed to change.