David Price Current Salary and Contract Terms
David Price salary reflects a major league pitcher with earnings shaped by multi-year contracts and performance incentives. His most recent deal with the Boston Red Sox, signed in December 2019, included a three-year contract with a guaranteed value of around $39 million, with the first year's salary starting at approximately $18 million and subsequent years declining slightly based on salary arbitration figures and team options. The contract also included vesting options and performance bonuses tied to innings pitched and games started, which could increase his total compensation depending on workload and health. This structure is common for veteran pitchers entering their mid-30s, balancing guaranteed money with incentives linked to durability and results. The base salary and bonus potential are further documented in team filings and public contract databases that track major league compensation.
Before the Boston deal, David Price earned significant income during his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2015, he signed a seven-year, $217 million contract with the Dodgers, which carried an average annual value of roughly $31 million and included opt-out clauses that allowed him to re-enter free agency. His salary for the final season of that deal was reduced compared to earlier years, reflecting the back-loaded nature of the agreement. During his time with the Blue Jays, he earned a more modest salary as a free agent, with his 2014 deal worth around $10 million per year on average. These earlier contracts illustrate how his earnings grew substantially after establishing himself as a top-tier starter and Cy Young winner, with each new deal reflecting his market value at the time of signing.
David Price Career Earnings and Contract History
David Price career earnings exceed $150 million in guaranteed salary across multiple major league teams, with the bulk coming from the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers contracts. His salary history shows a steady increase from his early years with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he earned a pre-arbitration salary that rose sharply after winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2012. By 2015, his salary surpassed $20 million for the first time as part of his Dodgers deal, and subsequent contracts maintained high annual values through performance incentives and roster bonuses. Public filings and salary databases confirm that his cumulative earnings place him among the highest-paid pitchers of his generation, with each new contract reflecting his status as a frontline starter. The financial trajectory of his career is also visible in team payroll reports and contract disclosures available on league and team websites.
His contract with the Boston Red Sox included a player option for the third year, which could be declined or exercised based on performance and team needs, affecting his final season salary and total career earnings. The deal also featured a no-trade clause with limited exceptions, giving Price control over potential moves that could impact his compensation and role. Previous contracts, including the seven-year agreement with the Dodgers, contained opt-out provisions that allowed him to seek new deals if his performance or market value increased significantly. These contractual details are part of the public record and are often referenced in financial analyses of major league player compensation. The structure of his deals, including guarantees and incentives, is further explained in contract summaries published by sports business outlets.
David Price Compensation Compared to Other Pitchers
David Price salary compares favorably to many veteran pitchers, though it is lower than the largest deals signed by top-tier starters in recent years. His average annual value with the Dodgers was roughly $31 million, which placed him among the highest-paid pitchers at the time of signing but below the largest contracts awarded to pitchers like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer in later years. In the current market, his earnings fall in the upper tier for veteran arms, reflecting his Cy Young pedigree and sustained performance as a frontline starter. Salary rankings for pitchers often place him in the top 10 historically for cumulative earnings, though newer mega-deals have pushed the