CLEVELAND — When the Red Sox gave David Price a record-setting $217 million contract in December, with it came the responsibility of turning around a franchise that had lost its way.
The Sox are counting on Price to make them relevant again after two years of finishing in last place.
But Price feels far more relief than he does pressure before his Opening Day start against the Cleveland Indians and Corey Kluber on Monday.
Over the weekend, while chatting with Pedro Martinez during the team’s trip to Montreal, Price said the security of a long-term contract had put him at ease.
“We were just talking and I was like, ‘Man, this is most relaxed I’ve been in a long time, knowing that I’m going to be somewhere for an extended period of time,’ ’’ Price said Sunday. “I can set my roots and stuff like that and be a part of everything knowing I’m going to be here next year and be here in two years. To me, that’s very special. It’s something I want and it’s not something I had.’’
Remarkably for a player of his stature, the Red Sox are Price’s fourth team in a span of less than two years. The Tampa Bay Rays traded Price to the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline in 2014. The Tigers dealt him to the Toronto Blue Jays a year later, and then Price signed with the Red Sox.
His seven-year deal includes an out clause after three seasons. But Price is already looking for a permanent home in Boston.
Price is 2-1 with a 2.48 earned run average in four previous Opening Day starts. He has averaged 7? innings in those games.
Price will join Jack Morris (1990-92) and Kevin Brown (1997-99) as the only pitchers to start three consecutive Opening Days with different teams.
Price believes the Red Sox will be contenders.
“Going to Montreal and being able to watch nine innings of baseball and to see our roster shape out, I think everybody is really excited about this team,’’ he said.
“I feel like we’re a very complete team. We’ve got good pitching, our bullpen is very strong, we’ve got speed, we’ve got power, we’ve got guys who are going to move runners and play the game the right way. I’m very excited about this team.’’
Price is 9-2 with a 2.19 ERA in 13 career starts against the Indians.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
