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MLB 2017: Top 10 starting pitchers

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

9. David Price, Boston Red Sox

David Price would certainly like a bit of a redo on his first season with the Red Sox. After signing a $217-million contract, Price opened the first two months of the season with a 5.11 ERA in 68.2 innings (further proving that the win is a worthless stat, Price was 7-1 despite the bloated ERA). Eventually, as an unsustainable home-run rate and BABIP fell, Price’s numbers began aligning better with his career norms.

The left-hander out of Vanderbilt has dealt with a lot over the past three seasons. He has been traded twice, and has played for four different teams. In 2017, Price will finally find some stability, and continuing to develop his relationship with Red Sox pitching coach Carl Willis and assistant Brian Bannister.

Price has lost a tick or two on his fastball and cutter as he enters his age-31 season, but he does still have the stuff to get by as a legitimate ace on a team that added a second one this offseason. He is a workhorse who was plagued by a bit of bad luck in 2016. A seven-year contract that will run past Price’s 37th birthday is a risky investment, but he has a few more years as a top-10 pitcher ahead of him.

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