The significantly shortened 2020 MLB regular season is scheduled to begin later this month, and the World Series favorite Los Angeles Dodgers will be without starting pitcher David Price for the rest of the year.
Price arrived in Los Angeles as a part of a blockbuster trade that also involved former Red Sox star Mookie Betts. Price, the 2012 AL Cy Young award winner, has a record of 7-5 in 22 starts for the Red Sox in 2019.
Price announced his decision in an open letter to fans on social media. Price wrote that he believes it is in his best interest health-wise to skip the season.
By opting out, Price will forfeit his salary for the season. He was originally set to make $32 million in a normal 162-game year, but that total would have been reduced to just under $12 million over the 60-game schedule. As USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox – who were paying half of Price’s 2020 salary – will save around $6 million.
