According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Boston Red Sox are in talks to acquire James Paxton from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers designated the 35-year-old for assignment on Monday, giving clubs seven days to trade for Paxton. In 2023, the veteran started 19 games for Boston. It is now unclear what Los Angeles would receive in exchange for Paxton.
Red Sox Reunite With Former Starter James Paxton
Paxton started 18 games for Los Angeles this season, with a 4.43 ERA in slightly over 89 innings. He led the majors with 48 walks, averaging nearly five every nine innings. His 1.455 WHIP is the second-worst in his career. Despite these figures, he had a solid 8-2 record with the Dodgers. Paxton is in his 11th season in Major League Baseball, having made his debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2013.
The left-hander had a solid start to the season, with a 2.84 ERA in his first eight appearances. He allowed six or more runs twice in June, however, increasing his total to 4.28 by the conclusion of the month. His worst start came on June 30 against the San Francisco Giants, when he allowed nine runs and 12 hits in four innings. Paxton has a 5.26 ERA after three July outings. He pitched five innings or less in his three appearances. His last start was against Boston. On July 21, he pitched five innings of three-run ball, allowing four hits and four walks.
The Canadian spent last year on the Red Sox’s roster. Paxton’s ERA was 4.50 over 96 innings, and he went 7-5. He had 101 strikeouts, his highest since 2019. Paxton also had an ERA+ above 100 for the first time since that season, walking only 3.1 hitters per nine innings, his lowest since 2018. Paxton left Boston following the 2023 season and signed a one-year, $7 million contract with Los Angeles during the winter.
What This Means For The Red Sox
Although the return is currently uncertain, this appears to be a buy-low opportunity for a Boston team wanting to add at the deadline. The Red Sox have been looking for left-handed pitchers to supplement their existing rotation, and Paxton was linked to the team after being DFA’d by the Dodgers. His numbers may not have been particularly outstanding over the last two seasons, but Boston requires choices and depth at a very vital position.Paxton is used to winning baseball after being a member of one of the league’s finest teams this season. Paxton’s durability may be a worry, since he has not thrown more than 140 innings since 2019. However, a move for a familiar face, particularly one with extensive experience, should assist the Red Sox long term.
