David Price’s Reported Red Sox Deal Stuns Marcus Stroman, Ex-Blue Jays Teammate

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.

Even though our time together was limited, you took every opportunity to take me under your wing and teach me your ways. For that, I am forever thankful. Watching and critiquing my bullpens. Treating everyone with class and respect. Putting your teammates first. Showing up early, and staying late. Forming a bond with every single guy on the team. I could go on forever. Thank you @davidprice14. Thankful and lucky to have been your teammate and to call you a friend. You deserve every single penny. More than deserving. Going to miss you at the top step after every inning. With that being said, I can't wait to compete against you. Excited already thinking about it. Thank you for everything CHAMP. Look forward to beating you every chance I get for many years to come! #TylenolPM

A photo posted by Marcus Stroman (@mstrooo6) on Dec 1, 2015 at 2:40pm PST

Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images