The Los Angeles Dodgers are widely considered one of the favorites to win the 2020 World Series, but they suffered a big blow Saturday.
Left-handed pitcher David Price announced on social media that he has decided to opt out of the 2020 MLB season.
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The Dodgers issued a statement a little over an hour after Price's announcement.
The Dodgers acquired Price and former AL MVP Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox this past winter in an effort to boost their chances of ending their 31-year World Series drought.
With the Giants and Dodgers reportedly set to open the 2020 season on July 23, Price was likely to be Los Angeles's No. 3 starter behind Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.
San Francisco Giants
But now that Price has opted out of the season, the Giants don't have to face the 2012 AL Cy Young award winner until the 2021 season. Price's absence likely bumps Julio Urias, Alex Wood, Dustin May, Ton Gonsolin and Ross Stripling into contention for the No. 3 slot.
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The Giants aren't expected to contend for the NL West crown or a playoff spot this season. But weird things can happen in 60 games, and the Giants will take all the help they can get.
As for Price, he's leaving a hefty chunk of change on the table by opting out of the season. The 34-year-old was scheduled to make $11.9 million in prorated salary this season, but he won't collect any of that.
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Price still has two years left on his contract, with each year worth $32 million, so the Dodgers will still have a chance to reap the benefits of the offseason trade with the Red Sox. Betts is a free agent after this season, so his days in Los Angeles are numbered if he doesn't re-sign.
Price opting out hurts the Dodgers more than it helps the Giants, but San Francisco isn't feeling bad for the seven-time reigning NL West champs.