Red Sox Predictions: Players who could be traded during 2019 offseason
By Tim Starr
David Price was hated in Boston in 2016 and 2017. From lack of performance in 2016, to shoulder problems and calling out Dennis Eckersley in 2017, Price was not well-liked.
Then, 2018 came around and the perception of him changed. Price was healthy, had a good year, and was dominant in the ALCS and World Series. He went from worst to first. Just like the Red Sox record from 2012 to 2014, Price went from worst to first to worst once again.
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Price was not the worst starter in 2019, he was probably actually the second best due to the seasons Rick Porcello, Nathan Eovaldi, and Chris Sale turned in. But being the second best starter isn’t saying much when you look at the 2019 rotation for the Red Sox. Price was very good, an ERA in the low 3’s by mid-July. From that point forward, the season spiraled out of control for Price.
Price’s grievances with Eckersley resurfaced in July, his ERA jumped about 1 point in four starts, and he basically didn’t pitch for the final two months of the season. Price is also signed to a really bad contract (for the Red Sox) and their may be interest in trading him. The Dallas Morning News reported that the Texas Rangers may have interest in Price.
The Rangers will begin 2020 with a new stadium and will likely make a big splash to generate excitement. Trading for Price is a big move, and the Rangers have the payroll to do it. If the Red Sox could sweeten the deal of trading Price, perhaps with a piece like Jay Groome or Jarren Duran, then the Rangers could be willing to eat a sizable chunk of Price’s remaining contract.
Price has three years and $96 million left on the contract. If the Rangers are willing to pay $50-$60 million, along with the Red Sox throwing in a prospect, the two sides could form a deal. Overall, with both sides seemingly having a need the other can fulfill, then a trade is possible.