The Boston Red Sox landed free agency’s top pitching prize Tuesday, reportedly agreeing to terms with left-hander David Price on a seven-year, $217 million contract.
News of the reported deal, the richest ever for a pitcher, quickly reached Price’s former Toronto Blue Jays teammates, including up-and-coming right-hander Marcus Stroman.
Stroman, who projects as Toronto’s No. 1 starter in 2016, sounded more than a bit conflicted about Price’s decision to take his talents elsewhere.
Price, who started 11 games for Toronto in his half-season with the Jays, won’t have to wait long for a reunion with his former club. The Red Sox visit Rogers Centre in their second series of the regular season April 8-10, and they host the Blue Jays for four games at Fenway Park one week later.
If Price begins the season as Boston’s No. 1 starter — a pretty safe bet — he’ll likely start two of those games, including one in Toronto.
The Sox and Jays also will close out their respective spring-training slates with a two-game set April 1-2 at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
UPDATE (6:15 p.m. ET): Stroman later posted an Instagram photo with heartfelt thanks for Price, along with some smack talk.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
