Price helped recruit former Tigers teammate Martinez to Red Sox

Boston Red Sox fans may still be waiting for David Price to make a big impact on the field, but his influence has already led to an improvement in the clubhouse and dugout.

The left-hander, who joined the Red Sox prior to the 2016 season on a franchise record $217-million contract, helped recruit former Detroit Tigers teammate J.D. Martinez to play for Boston.

Martinez talked to Price about potentially signing with the Red Sox several times over the winter, including a few days ago, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. The slugger wanted to know if he'd be happy playing in Boston. Price told him to come, but laid out the challenges.

"I told J.D. he will love the guys here in this clubhouse," Price said, "but also told him he'll get booed.

"He's a quiet soft-spoken guy, but he'll handle it. Besides, everyone gets booed. I heard Big Papi get booed many times in Fenway."

The news of Price as a Red Sox ambassador comes two years into his tumultuous tenure in Boston. Fans turned against him for an injury-shortened 2017 campaign in which the left-hander pitched 74 2/3 innings, and he had a relatively public feud with Boston broadcaster and Red Sox legend Dennis Eckersley.

"It is tough here," Price added. "There's just so much more negativity. I've never been one for negative stuff. I like surrounding myself with positive people ... I just can't stand it."

Martinez and the Red Sox agreed to a reported five-year, $110-million deal Monday evening.

The 32-year-old Price spent a calendar year with the Tigers and Martinez. He was acquired by Detroit from the Tampa Bay Rays in August 2014 and then traded to the Toronto Blue Jays the next August.

"I hope we get that World Series this year," the veteran said at the Red Sox spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. "If not, we don't get it this year, we'll get it next year. I want to experience that here, I really do."