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Red Sox starter David Price’s three reasons why he didn’t opt-out

By Sean Penney

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 08: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros during game three of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 08: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros during game three of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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FT. MYERS, FL – FEBRUARY 19: David Price of the Boston Red Sox looks on during a spring training workout at Fenway South on February 19, 2016 in Ft. Myers, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL – FEBRUARY 19: David Price of the Boston Red Sox looks on during a spring training workout at Fenway South on February 19, 2016 in Ft. Myers, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /

David Price revealed three key reasons behind his decision not to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract and stay with the Boston Red Sox.

At this time last year, many were wondering if 2018 would be the last time we saw David Price wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform. The talented yet often criticized lefty had an opt-out clause in his contract that would allow him to dive back into the free agent pool. Speculation swirled that Price would either exercise the clause to seek a bigger payday or that he’d tire of the pressure from the relentless Boston media and use the opt-out as an excuse to escape.

A lot has changed since then. The Red Sox won a World Series championship with Price finally vanquishing his postseason demons with his first playoff wins as a stater. The narrative surrounding Price quickly shifted from villain to hero in this city.

Ultimately, Price decided not to opt out of his deal, locking him into the final four years, $127 million remaining on his contract. As it turns out, his reasons for staying have nothing to do with the factors we thought may lead to his exit.

In an interview with NESN’s Tom Caron, Price outlined three reasons why he decided not to opt-out of his contract.

"“No it wasn’t a difficult decision. I mean, I don’t want to pitch against this team,” Price said. “If I chose to go somewhere else and went to the National League or another team, the Red Sox aren’t a team you want to pitch against. I like our chances of winning ever since I’ve been here. I knew when I signed in Boston I was gonna have a chance to compete for a championship year-in and year-out. That, to me, is what I wanted. To have the opportunity to compete for a championship and to be surrounded by a lot of really good youth. That’s the two things that Boston offers, along with being able to get free agents. Whatever free agent we want we can go and get. To have those three things, that’s a recipe for success and that was why I came here.”"

There’s a lot to unpack in this quote so let’s break down each of Price’s reasons for his decision to remain with the Red Sox.

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