James Paxton in attendance for Winter Classic in Seattle, possible return to the Mariners in free agency?
For the last couple of weeks, left-hander James Paxton’s name has been connected to the Red Sox for a potential reunion between the two sides.
Boston is in need for starting pitching even after adding Lucas Giolito on a two-year deal and trading southpaw Chris Sale to the Braves.
While Paxton has been connected to the Red Sox, the Canadian lefty was recently a guest in the Mariners’ owner suite during the Winter Classic.
“Great atmosphere today at T Mobile Park for the Winter Classic. Free Agent LHP James Paxton spotted sitting in the Mariners owner suite,” posted Sportsnet’s 650 Chad Dey.
The buzz of Paxton in the suite prompted Mariners fans to wonder if the Big Maple would return to the northwest as a free agent. Paxton, who hails from nearby British Columbia, pitched for the M’s from 2013-2018 before being traded to the Bronx.
Paxton spent the last two seasons in the Red Sox organization, making his team debut last season. He made 19 starts for the Red Sox, tossing 96 innings, allowing 93 hits and posted a 4.50 ERA.
According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, “Paxton said he hasn’t had any contact with the Mariners this offseason on a FA deal. But said he’d be interested in coming back.”
Paxton has been connected to the Red Sox this winter and could be a potential replacement for Chris Sale in the rotation. The Red Sox are closely monitoring the trade market for rotation upgrades and want starters that can give them innings.
That could take Paxton out of the running to return to Beantown.
The tall lefty does expect to be better next seasons and feels good after essentially missing two and half seasons.
“I feel positive about what I was able to accomplish after having basically two-and-a-half years away from pitching, but I expect that there will be a extra degree of comfort next season after experiencing this season. My body has felt really good, and I’m looking forward to getting everything in the right place for next year,” Paxton said to FanGraphs in December.
The Mariners rotation currently consists of Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Emerson Hancock, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo. Lefty Robbie Ray is currently on the injured list recovering from season-ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon and the ulnar collateral ligament (i.e. Tommy John surgery) in his pitching elbow.
Seattle could make one of their young arms expendable if they add Paxton to the mix. If that is the case, the Red Sox have young controllable position players they could offer the Mariners or even add major league talent like closer Kenley Jansen in a possible deal. Jansen’s name has circulated in trade talks this offseason due to his $16.5 million salary and he is on the final year of his two-year contract.
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