The 2022 season marks David Price’s 14th in the Major Leagues and second with the Los Angeles Dodgers since being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox that included Mookie Betts.
After filling a hybrid role last season, Price hoped to earn a spot in the starting rotation this season. However, he was slow to build up in Spring Training due to annual elbow soreness and began the year in the bullpen.
The left-hander then missed nearly a month’s worth of games after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). Despite the setbacks, Price has established himself as a valuable bullpen arm for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Price is in the final year of his contract and will turn 37 in August. When asked if he has considered retirement, the five-time All-Star noted it will depend on his children, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Yeah,” Price said when asked if he plans to retire after the 2022 season. But then he hedges it a little bit.
“I mean, yes and no. My (two) kids love it so much. That’s the only thing that makes me even think about playing any longer. I always told myself I’d ask my son, ‘Do you want daddy to play baseball or do you want daddy to be home all the time?’ I asked him before this year and he said, ‘I want you to be home.’ I said, ‘Are you sure?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ Now when I ask him, he says, ‘No, I want you to keep playing.’”
Price has posted a solid 3.20 ERA, 3.28 FIP and 1.32 WHIP in 19 appearances this season. For his career, he owns a 155-82 record with a 3.33 ERA, 3.38 FIP and 1.16 WHIP in 379 games (322 starts).
If the 2022 season is indeed Price’s final in the Majors, it will cap off an accomplished career that includes being the first overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft, the 2012 American League Cy Young Award winner and a 2018 World Series championship.
Dodgers considered Price trade
Earlier this season, a report indicated the Dodgers could look to trade Price at some point to give him a full-time opportunity in the starting rotation.
However, it is unclear if that is still under consideration — or something the southpaw would even be open to.
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