Red Sox to decline James Paxton’s two-year, $26 million option

Image courtesy of MassLive

The Red Sox will decline the two-year, $26 million option on left-hander James Paxton, per The Athletic’s Chad Jennings.

Chad Jennings @chadjennings22

The Red Sox have declined their two-year, $26-million team option on James Paxton. Paxton now has to decide whether to pick up a one-year, $4-million player option.

Boston is waiting to hear if Paxton will exercise his one-year, $4 million player option. If Paxton declines the option, he will become a free agent.

The Red Sox signed the British Columbia native to a one-year deal with a dual mutual option last offseason.

Paxton spent last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He did not throw one pitch for the Red Sox in 2022.

Hot Stove: New York Mets extend All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, 5-years, $102 million

Paxton suffered a Grade 2 lat tear during his first rehab start back in August. The 6-foot-4 hurler was a low risk, high reward candidate. Unfortunately, he was not able to get on the bump for Boston. The Red Sox should learn of Paxton’s decision in the coming days.

Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique

For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.