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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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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 05: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning of the Red Sox home opening game at Fenway Park on April 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 05: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning of the Red Sox home opening game at Fenway Park on April 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Doesn’t have to face them

The Red Sox led the majors in runs scored, hits, doubles, total bases, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and OPS last season. Essentially any offensive category they didn’t lead in, they found themselves at least near the top of the league. Their deep, start-studded lineup is a nightmare for opposing pitchers to face.

One benefit of pitching for this team is that Price doesn’t have to pitch against them. Any time Price takes the mound he can feel confident that the lineup supporting him is better than the one he’s up against.

Price actually has great career numbers against the Red Sox. He was 11-6 with a 3.08 ERA in 23 starts against Boston prior to joining the club. This isn’t the same Red Sox offense that he faced in those days but he did face plenty of lineups anchored by David Ortiz during that stretch. Price may have handled Boston’s powerful offense as well as anyone but he’d still much rather be on their side.

Even a move to the National League wouldn’t necessarily save Price from facing this offense. He could come across them during inter-league play and if he made it back to the World Series with his new team, Boston could be there waiting for him. The only way to avoid pitching against the Red Sox lineup is to pitch for them.

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