James Paxton DFA'ed! Does a reunion in Boston make sense?
The Bastards of Boston weigh on James Paxton's possible return to the Red Sox!
JASON KELLY:
James Paxton’s tenure in Boston from 2022 to 2023 was an extremely frustrating experience that, ultimately, did not serve the team nor the player well at all.
However, after being designated for assignment by the Dodgers he now becomes an intriguing and inexpensive option for the Red Sox as they prepare for the second half of the season.
Paxton’s overall numbers this season don’t look great. Despite his 8-2 record he has an ERA of 4.43 and an inflated WHIP of 1.455. Along with that, he has already surpassed his career high in walks through just 18 starts and his strikeout numbers are way down (just a 6.94 K/9).
The question Red Sox fans need to ask themselves is this: would you rather see James Paxton pitching important games for you in the second half or Cooper Criswell? Would you rather see Paxton or Brad Keller? The team has no pitching in their pipeline and they need all the help they can get, they don’t have their own version of Paul Skenes waiting in the wings.
At this point, I say take a flier on him and see what he’s got left. Acquiring Paxton won’t take much at all and pairing him with Andrew Bailey might help him return to form back here in Boston.
JEREMY SCHILLING:
Should the Red Sox go get James Paxton?
Duh.
Red Sox pitching has no organizational depth and zero left-handed pitching. If this team is going to compete late into September it will because Breslow adds a lefty.
Paxton makes way too much sense to pass him by. He has already played Boston so the organization knows him and vice versa.
His acquisition would come at a relatively low costs, and due to his age, no concerns with a long-term commitment. It will cost around $4.3 million for the balance of the season and will not require a prospect.
Go get him Breslow... then add another left-handed pitcher, a right-handed bat, and a bullpen arm.
NICK DIAMOND:
James Paxton was DFA’d by the Dodgers on Monday after posting a 4.43 ERA over 89.1 innings this season.
Last year, while playing for the Red Sox, Paxton posted almost identical numbers (4.50 ERA over 96 innings).
Although Paxton’s numbers look very similar to his numbers from last year, there are a few key stats where he has regressed significantly.
In Paxton’s age-35 season, his K/9 rate has dropped dramatically, from 9.5 in 2023 all the way down to 6.4 in 2024.
He has also led the National League in walks allowed on the season with 48 free passes.
With this being said, I would still bring in James Paxton via trade or waiver claim to help bolster the Red Sox's current rotation.
The main reason why bringing in Paxton would benefit the Red Sox down the stretch is because of the lack of left-handed pitching options on the 40-man roster.
The Red Sox have had exactly two games started by a left-handed pitcher this season, and both of those games were started by Brennan Bernardino.
Another situation Paxton could be useful in is piggybacking off Cooper Criswell or vice versa, which would give Cora the ability to not have either of them face a lineup a third time.
James Paxton is definitely not my favorite starting pitching option, and I am sure he is probably not Craig Breslow’s favorite option either, but that does not mean that Paxton cannot help the Red Sox down the stretch as a left-handed option that can eat innings.
I am begging Breslow to show some urgency to improve this team, and the Dodgers DFA’ing of James Paxton might have just presented him with an opportunity to do that.
Let’s see if he will pull the trigger.
CHARLIE SMITH:
When you consider the options, there are few that could be better for this risk level, then again if you get Paxton back, what message does this send to fans? Are we really trying?
No matter the result, this can’t be the only option as far as additions go.
In the event that that’s it, then it doesn’t matter., we’re not going to get what we want in 2024.
TERRY CUSHMAN JR
Some of the more horrific moments of last winter, was rumors popping up that the Red Sox were interested in James Paxton.
I felt that way, because he sucks.
On Monday afternoon, one of the best teams in MLB, who happen to have one of the best pitching programs, designated him for assignment, because… wait for it…. He sucks…
What made this such a shocking development, is that the Dodgers rotation is completely decimated. Glasnow, Yamamoto, and Buehler are all on the injured list.
And the Dodgers STILL thought they were better off without James Paxton.
He has struggled with his command. Struggled to finish guys off. And does not eat innings.
Had Paxton given this same exact 2024 performance in a Red Sox uniform, fans would be extremely frustrated they even brought him back.
Here’s the sad irony: The Red Sox would pay Paxton slightly more for the next two months, than they did in all of 2023.
Hard pass.