Xander Bogaerts has enjoyed some success against David Price, but the Boston Red Sox shortstop won’t be facing the left-hander again any time soon. Well, maybe in practices, though.
The Red Sox and Price reportedly agreed Tuesday to a seven-year, $217 million contract. So instead of game planning for one of the best pitchers in baseball, Bogaerts will get to watch from shortstop as other players try to solve the ace’s puzzle.
“That’s pretty good,” Bogaerts told MLB.com’s Ian Browne on Tuesday. “My brother (Jair) told me about it. I was definitely excited to get that news. He’s a great pitcher, I can tell you that for sure. I’m just happy not to face him anymore.”
Boagerts is 4-for-11 with a double in limited action against Price.
“I did pretty all right against him, but it wasn’t an easy at-bat,” Bogaerts said. “You had to grind because you know he wasn’t going to make too many mistakes. I’m happy he’s on our side now. There weren’t too many easy at-bats or hits I had against him. He’s very tough, especially with that cutter. He throws that backdoor cutter and he throws it inside and jams you sometimes.”
As Bogaerts also pointed out, the Winter Meetings haven’t started yet, but the Red Sox already have agreed to a deal with Price and traded for closer Craig Kimbrel.
“It’s very aggressive,” Bogaerts said. “It’s still kind of early in the offseason. …Â It’s just a boost going into next year knowing you have that type of guy (Price) as part of your rotation.”
He added: “A lot of people thought we were missing an ace and that it affected the other pitchers. Our pitching staff is going to get a boost for sure. He’s, for sure, a top-of-the-rotation type of guy. Hopefully, he’s going to be the ace. That’s why they are giving him that type of money.”
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
