McAdam: Will David Price's decision to opt-out become a turning point for other players?

Starting last week, a few names began to trickle out. First came the announcement two members of the world champion Washington Nationals -- Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross -- would be opting out for the 2020 season, citing fears of exposing their family to the coronavirus.

Next came Colorado's Ian Desmond, who mixed in some social commentary with his announcement to withdraw from the 2020 season. Later, Arizona's Mike Leake joined the list of players opting out.

But when David Price revealed Saturday that he would not take part in the season, the equation changed.

First, Price is the highest-profile player to pull out of the season. And because Price pitches for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the odds-on favorite in the National League, the move received more attention. Add in the Dodgers' standing as one of the game's iconic franchises and the announcement got plenty of attention.

It's possible Price's decision could result in a ripple effect. Price's standing in the game is considerable, because of his accomplishments (Cy Young Award winner, world champion), his salary and his status as one of the few African-American stars in the game.

Toss in the fact that Price is looked upon as a leader by past and present teammates -- a reputation further cemented by his decision earlier this summer to pay Dodgers minor leaguers left without paychecks during the shutdown.

When Price speaks, players listen. Now the question would seem to be: how many others will follow his lead out the door?



How many others who were contemplating just such a move will now feel more comfortable staying home, forfeiting salary and returning for 2021? If someone as respected throughout the game has acted boldly, perhaps it will now be safe for them to do the same.

Baseball is a fraternity and players feel an obligation to their teammates, with whom they typically spend more time during the season than their actual family members. But precisely because spending that time in dugouts, clubhouses and buses could put their loved ones in danger, players could determine that the risk isn't worth it and follow Price's lead, right out the door.

Given Price's issues in Boston, it's natural to expect some blowback from fans. His childish crusade against Dennis Eckersley won't soon be forgotten, and in the minds of some, that has become the defining moment of his career.

That's unfortunate and unfair. While Price's behavior served as a needless distraction to the Red Sox and highlighted his penchant for being overly sensitive to criticism -- even from a Hall of Famer -- it shouldn't overshadow all else. It was far from Price's proudest moment, but it shouldn't become his legacy.

Nor should Price face criticism for his decision to not play in 2020. As a husband and father of two small children, Price is merely doing what he believes is right for his family. That right should be afforded to anyone, regardless of salary or profession.

(If anything, Boston fans inclined to reflexively criticize Price for his opt-out should consider that the move directly benefits the Red Sox. Under the terms of the deal with the Dodgers last February, the Red Sox were on the hook for half of Price's salary in 2020-2022. Now, with Price sitting out this season, the Red Sox get to drop $16 million from their payroll obligations, further enabling them to remain under the first competitive balance tax threshold and providing additional wiggle room as the season develops. If the Red Sox acquire a, say, high-priced starting pitcher in August that they otherwise might not have been able to afford as they attempt to reset their tax rate for 2021, you can thank Price.)

If nothing else, Price has acted on principle. In opting out, he'll forfeit almost $12 million in salary and a possible chance to win a second World Series in the span of three seasons. For a player who has already made more than $200 million over the course of his career, everything is relative, but $12 million isn't a small figure regardless of your portfolio.

Perhaps over time, his decision won't be viewed as a line item on a team's payroll, but rather, in the number of other players who had been on the fence about playing who suddenly feel emboldened to arrive at the same conclusion Price did.