Boston Red Sox 2018 player grades: David Price

Entering a crucial year of his monster contract Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price did not disappoint, and won the hearts back of the Boston fans en route to a World Championship.

2018 was a huge year for David Price. It was the third year of the massive 7 year, $217 million contract signed back in 2015. It could also have been his last season as a member of the Boston Red Sox, as Price had a player option that he decided to return on the day of the Championship parade.

Price had a lot to prove entering 2018, and boy did he deliver. When lefty Chris Sale went down on the DL, twice, at the beginning of the second half, Price stepped up and was the ace the Boston Red Sox needed him to be.

In his third start of the year, on a chilly night at Fenway, Price and the Red Sox faced the New York Yankees. This was his shortest start of the season, as the lefty managed only 1 inning, surrendering 4 runs on 3 hits including a home run to Gary Sanchez.

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Once again, the questions arose about Price and whether or not he was worth the money and if it would be better if he opted out following the season.

Price really silenced the doubters in the second half of the season and especially in the playoffs.

In the second half of the season, David Price was lights out. In 11 starts, he went 6-1 with a 2.25 ERA. Price also posted 68 strikeouts in 68 innings, while allowing only 50 hits and 16 walks.

Price was there when the Red Sox needed him

David Price stepped up in a major way when his team needed it, as his best games came when Chris Sale was on the shelf.

Price carried his second-half dominance into the playoffs. In 6 games, Price was 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 26 innings in October, his only loss coming to the Yankees in Game 2 of the ALDS.

David Price followed up his abysmal ALDS performance with clutch moments in the ALCS and most importantly, the World Series.

He absolutely dominated the Houston Astros in a series-clinching Game 5 victory. Price went 6 strong innings, fanning 9 while giving up only 3 hits and holding the Astros scoreless before turning it over to the bullpen. This was Price’s first big postseason win, finally getting the monkey off his back while getting his team to the World Series in the process.

Price pitched in 3 games in the World Series, making 2 starts and including 1 relief appearance in the longest game in World Series history, Game 3. He pitched 13.2 innings on baseball’s biggest stage, posting a 2.05 ERA against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Price’s memorable postseason run was capped off by his Championship clinching performance in Game 5 in LA. He went 7 innings, allowing only 3 hits, 2 walks, striking out 5 before turning it over to Joe Kelly and Chris Sale to end the series and the season.

David Price completely shut all the doubters up. He was well worth the money this season, due to his fantastic post All-Star run and playoff performance. Price most definitely “holds all the cards” as he looks to return to the Red Sox in 2019 in hopes of winning another Championship.