Boston

3 Days After Series Gem, Price Says He's Staying With Boston

David Price isn't going anywhere.

According to multiple reports, the Red Sox pitcher made his plans clear in advance of Wednesday's duck boat parade.

"I'm not going anywhere," Price said on the field at Fenway Park before boarding his duck boat. "I came here to win, and we did that this year. That was very special and I want to do it again."

Price could have opted out of the final four years of his seven-year, $217 million contract this off-season.

"We were hoping he would stay," Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said. "He's ready to go back-to-back."

Price, who didn't have a win as a starter in the playoffs entering 2018, shifted the narrative of his career forever this postseason.

He went 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 26 innings pitched this postseason, winning each of his final three starts -- one in the ALCS against the Astros and two more in the World Series against the Dodgers. He won the deciding game of both the ALCS and World Series.

"In my mind, he was the co-MVP of the World Series," Red Sox owner John Henry said Wednesday. "He was ready to pitch every day, no matter the situation. The bigger the game, the bigger the performance."

Henry called it "great news" that Price had opted in. Reminded that the ballclub itself, like Price, has had a bit of a turnaround after a long history of postseason failure, Henry said: "Boston is a great place to get the monkey off your back."

Price, 33, signed with the Red Sox prior to the 2016 season. He's 39-19 with a 3.74 ERA for his career in Boston, including a 16-7 mark over 30 starts with a 3.58 ERA in 2018.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Price is 143-75 for his career with a 3.25 ERA. He's also played for the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays over his 11-year major league career.

Boston also picked up its 2019 club option on Chris Sale on Tuesday, meaning the starting rotation appears to be in excellent shape heading into the 2019 season. Rick Porcello has one year left on his deal, while Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright are eligbile for arbitration. 

Postseason star Nathan Eovaldi, as well Drew Pomeranz, each of whom started games for the Red Sox this season, are scheduled for free agency.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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