Former Toronto Blue Jay pitcher David Price is heading to Beantown.
The five-time All-Star has jumped ship, signing with division rival Boston Red Sox to a record-setting seven-year, $217-million contract. Price’s deal makes him the highest paid pitcher in MLB history, a record previously held by Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who signed a $215-million contract last year.
Price was an integral piece of the Jays’ stretch run into the playoffs, posting a sparkling 9-1 record to help carry the team to its first playoff birth in 22 years.
With Price leaving town, a massive hole is left in the Jays’ pitching rotation. The team was able to bring in J.A. Happ, a former Jay, to help solidify the rotation. However, it still leaves the team without a number one ace.
There are several marquee pitchers available on the free agent market, including National League Cy Young winner Zack Greinke, formerly of the Los Angeles Dodgers.