David Price Signs With Red Sox For 7 Years, $217 Million

You can cross David Price off the Cubs shopping list.

Although there were conflicting reports on how interested the Cubs were in the free agent pitcher, none of that matters anymore as the Red Sox have reportedly signed the biggest name on the free agent market for a megadeal of seven years and $217 million. Price will have the option to opt out of the deal after three seasons.

The Cubs have long been rumored to be interested in Price, based on his connection with his former manager Joe Maddon (and earlier, his former pitching coach at Vanderbilt, Derek Johnson, who recently left the Cubs organization to become the Brewers pitching coach) and simply the fact that the Cubs intend to add another starter. But there have always been questions whether the Cubs had the budget to add a contract that Price would demand. In fact, the Red Sox have given Price the largest contract ever to a pitcher.

There are still several pitchers available on the free agent market including Zack Greinke, who figures to command a contract at least close to that Price received, as well as Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, John Lackey and others. Additionally, the Cubs continue to search for pitching on the trade market, with at least some speculation today that the Braves and the Cubs could get together for a Shelby Miller for Jorge Soler deal.

We'll keep you updated with any further updates.

Update: The Cubs were at least talking to Price before he signed with Boston.