Red Sox showing strong interest in Paxton (report)
The Boston Red Sox are showing strong interest in re-signing veteran left-handed starter James Paxton, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI.
Boston originally brough the southpaw aboard during the 2021 offseason knowing he was likely to miss at least half of the 2022 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery on his UCL. However, after some setbacks he never pitched all year.
Paxton had an up and down 2023 season after exercising his $4 million player option. It started with a hamstring injury during spring training that kept him sidelined until mid-May before finally making his Red Sox debut.
The 35-year old performed above expectations until the trade deadline. He started 13 games, compiling a 3.34 ERA/3.58 FIP with 80 strikeouts in 70 innings. Paxton became logical trade chip for a middling Red Sox team after earning AL Player of the Month honors in July going 3-0 with a 1.74 ERA.
However, with only being a couple games back of a playoff spot, former chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom decided to not trade him. The move at the time was puzzling especially since Paxton was a rental, injury prone, and there was no additional moves made to add to the rotation.
Unfortunately, not only did the Red Sox falter down the stretch so did Paxton. Over the six gamesd after the deadline he pitched to a 7.62 ERA and only got 21 strikeouts in 26 innings while giving up 9 homeruns, matching his total over his first 13 games.
The Canadian native only made one start in September due to missing the rest of the season with knee inflammation.
Paxton brings potential to the rotation, but his injury history is tough to ignore. Boston will most definitely look for additional starting pitching as the offseason continues.
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