Los Angeles Dodgers win as David Price sits out

The Los Angeles Dodgers took on David Price as the cost to get Mookie Betts. As Price sits out, that trade gets a bit better for the Dodgers.

When the Los Angeles Dodgers made the blockbuster move to acquire Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox, there was a price attached. Not only did the Dodgers have to part with a pair of prospects and outfielder Alex Verdugo, but they also had to take on David Price. The Red Sox agreed to pay half his salary, but Price was a costly addition.

Then came the pandemic. Betts was brought on as an attempt to get over the World Series hump and to win now. While Price would solidify the Dodgers rotation, the key to the entire trade was the idea of a full season of arguably the best player in the game. But with just a 60 game schedule, and absolutely no guarantee that Betts will return, that deal appeared to be a disaster.

And now, Price has decided to sit out the 2020 campaign. Nominally, this is a blow to the Dodgers chances, as Price did post a solid 4.28 ERA and a 1.314 WHiP, striking out 128 batters against 32 walks in his 107.1 innings. With a move to the NL West, and presumably healthy once more, those numbers could have been even better this year.

In the long run, this is a positive for the Dodgers. They, and the Red Sox for that matter, will be able to save approximately $6 million since he has forfeited his prorated salary. That is money that could be put towards an upgrade or two at the trade deadline, opening a significant amount in the Dodgers budget.

This also allows the Dodgers pitching depth to come through. Ross Stripling should find himself with a full time role in the rotation now, with Los Angeles, and the rest of the league for that matter, seeing what he can do.

In such a role, the Dodgers can improve Stripling’s trade value. He had almost been dealt before, heading to the Angels as a side deal off the original Betts swap. In theory, with a chance to show what he can do as a starter, he can improve his trade value for the offseason.

Losing David Price is a blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, with their pitching depth, and a long term view, this could prove to be beneficial.