Finding takers for David Price and Nathan Eovaldi
The Boston Red Sox financial woes could be dramatically lessened if they can find takers for David Price and Nathan Eovaldi.
Price will be the easier of the two to move on from. Despite being owed $96 million over the next three years, and was limited to just 22 starts last season due to wrist and elbow injuries. Nonetheless, at least five teams have displayed interest in the 34 year old lefty, gambling that he can return to the form he showed in 2018.
Eovaldi would be a much harder sell, although he has somehow garnered a bit of interest. He is still due another $51 million over the next three years, a contract that was doomed to be a mistake from the moment the pen touched the signature line. His injury woes cropped up once again, leaving Eovaldi to make just 23 appearances, with only 12 starts.
Regardless of which pitcher the Red Sox get rid of, they will likely need to pay to move on. While Price is generating interest, Boston is likely to pay a portion of his salary, or take on another bad contract to be rid of him. Although they are loathe to attach a prospect to Price, they would likely need to do so if they can entice a team to take on Eovaldi.
The Boston Red Sox should be able to move on from at least one contractual mistake. Even that would help their long term outlook.