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

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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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with the World Series trophy after his team’s 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five to win the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with the World Series trophy after his team’s 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five to win the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Compete for a championship

If his top priority is winning a World Series, Price won’t find a more appealing alternative than the reigning champions. He’s not content with one ring and remains as hungry as ever to thrive on that October stage. Boston is a city with high expectations but that means assurance that the front office and ownership will do whatever it takes to assemble a team that can compete for a title.

The Red Sox will bring back most of the same roster they won the World Series with last season and they enter 2019 among the favorites. They have several talented young players who will continue to improve as they approach their peaks and ensure this team is set up for sustained success.

Boston’s last four World Series titles (2004, 2007, 2013, 2018) are more than any MLB team has captured since the turn of the century. The Yankees like to gloat about their 27 championships but most of them were over 60 years ago, with only two since 2000.

If the goal is winning multiple titles then the Red Sox are currently the organization that gives Price the best opportunity. He’s getting paid plenty of money on his current deal yet it’s refreshing to hear an athlete prioritize winning. Price wasn’t willing to sacrifice his best chance to win in order to chase a few extra bucks.

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