Boston Red Sox: David Price projected as a ‘difference maker’ in 2020
Listed as one of 9 players who could change everything, veteran pitcher David Price is predicted to be a difference maker in 2020, but will it be with the Boston Red Sox?
One of the biggest disappointments of the 2019 MLB season for the Boston Red Sox was the injury plagued season of one David Price.
After winning the hearts and respect of Red Sox Nation with his stellar pitching performance during the 2018 postseason, Price took that trump card he earned and gave it back to the Boston media with another feud with beloved former Red Sox pitcher and current commentator Dennis Eckersley.
If the media war wasn’t enough, Price’s struggles on the mound after he started the season strong was highlighted by a wrist injury that ultimately ended up shelving the lefty late in the season. It is his postseason run in 2018 and his start to the season in 2019 that has him as one of nine players listed by MLB.com writer Richard Justice as players “capable of swinging an entire season.”
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This has double meaning for the Boston Red Sox because there is a high chance Price won’t be making that impact for them in 2020 due to the various trade rumors currently circulating, including deep discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers that may package David Price with Mookie Betts.
Coming off a season in which he posted a 7-5 record with a 4.28 ERA, here is what Justice had to say about Price and a potential bounce-back season:
"“Injuries derailed his 2019 season (as they did in ’17), and that’s an obvious concern. Actually, the only concern. Price was excellent last season before an August wrist injury (3.24 ERA in 16 first-half starts), and his ’18 postseason showed he’s still capable of pitching like an ace. The wild card here is that he might end up being the X factor for a team other than the Red Sox if any of these trade rumors come to fruition. And whether Price is doing it for the Padres, Dodgers or Red Sox in ’20, he can be a difference maker.”"
If the Boston Red Sox can’t unload Price’s salary prior to the season, the team would then have to rely on both him and Chris Sale to return to the pitchers they were prior to injuries dampening both their seasons. A focused David Price could certainly strengthen the Red Sox starting rotation, but a fresh start in a new home may be the motivator he needs.
It would certainly shave some salary and get rid of a player who, besides his 2018 performance, hasn’t really meshed in Boston.
Next. Boston Red Sox: 5 biggest disappointments of 2019 MLB season. dark
Until and unless a trade does occur, David Price is dedicated to being the best pitcher he can be in a Boston Red Sox uniform. Can the 34-year-old be a difference maker in 2020?
He demonstrated just over a season ago that he can capture the hearts of Red Sox Nation.
So, yes, he can do it again.