Dodgers: Minor Leaguer Zach Reks grateful for David Price’s gift

Los Angeles Dodgers minor leaguer Zach Reks is one example of someone benefiting from David Price’s generous gift.

With the country consumed by turmoil, one of the best stories of the past few months was learning recently-acquired starter David Price was going to pay $1,000 to each minor leaguer in the Los Angeles Dodgers system for the month of June.

The news broke on social media, as the left-hander was hoping to keep it a secret, but with over 200 minor leaguers in the Dodgers farm system, many wanting to give thanks, it is impossible to keep something like that from coming into public view.

Dodgers outfield prospect Zach Reks is one of those player who benefited from Price’s kindness. He offered his thoughts about it earlier this week.

"“It’s actually ridiculous he hasn’t played one day in a Dodgers uniform and he’s helping us out in a huge way,” Reks told the Courier-Journal this week. “Your entire life you look up to guys like that and for him to help out in a time of need shows a lot about his character as a person and a player.”"

Zach Reks attended Dodgers Spring Training in March.

Reks attended his first big league camp this past March after being selected in the 10th round of the 2017 draft by the Dodgers. He has an incredible story of becoming a professional ballplayer, after failing to make the University of Kentucky baseball team, and essentially moving on to other endeavors, a coach noticed his athleticism and gave him a second chance.

Reks has been getting by on the $400 per week offered by Major League Baseball and the Dodgers while the season is on pause. In the offseason, he has worked as a barista at Starbucks.

Price’s generous gift might buy Reks a little more time before he needs to search for alternative income without baseball returning.

"“It’s getting harder and harder to not search for some jobs we can do,” Reks said in a phone interview with the Courier-Journal. “But everything’s still kinda shut down. Those part-time jobs you get during the offseason is very limited these days.”"

Price was acquired by the Dodgers in the Mookie Betts deal this past offseason. He agreed to pay over 200 people that he has barely met. It tells you something about the type of person president Andrew Friedman has added to the Dodgers locker room.

Players agree to realignment that puts Dodgers, Astros, Angels in same division

The Los Angeles Dodgers could have some exciting new division rivals for the 2020 season.

While many viewed the addition of Price as a salary casualty to acquiring Betts, he is slotted to be the third starter in the Dodgers rotation, bringing playoff experience (he won the clinching game for the Red Sox in the 2018 World Series), and as we have recently learned, incredible character to the team.