With the Los Angeles Dodgers calling up River Ryan for his MLB debut and Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw both due back from the injured list this week, the team elected to remove James Paxton from their roster by designating the veteran for assignment.
That started a one-week window for the Dodgers to likely trade Paxton, who figures to be claimed off waivers. Even with some of his struggles and peripheral numbers being down, the left-hander has proven durable this season and doesn’t require a significant financial commitment.
There also are several teams in search of starting pitching with just one week remaining until the MLB trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday, July 30.
According to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, the Boston Red Sox are one team that has interest in acquiring Paxton:
According to sources, there is a strong likelihood the Red Sox get in the mix for James Paxton, who was designated for assignment by the Dodgers Monday.
Coincidentally, Paxton’s final start for the Dodgers was against the Red Sox in the series finale at Dodger Stadium. He threw five-plus innings and allowed three runs on four hits, including one homer. Paxton finished with seven strikeouts against four walks.
His velocity was up in the outing but free passes remained an issue for the 35-year-old. Paxton has walked multiple batters in 13 of 18 starts this season, in five in a row, and eight of his last 10 outings.
Paxton possibly joining the Red Sox would represent a reunion as he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the team. However, Paxton did not pitch in 2022 due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery the year prior.
Paxton then exercised a player option to remain with the Red Sox in 2023, but he made just 19 starts and saw his year end early because of right knee inflammation.
James Paxton’s Dodgers contract
During the offseason the Dodgers signed Paxton to a one-year, $7 million contract that included a bonus for making their Opening Day roster for the Seoul Series or Dodger Stadium opener, in addition to performance incentives. He also received a $3 million signing bonus.
Paxton and the Dodgers originally agreed to a one-year contract for $11 million, but the deal was reworked amid some health concerns — specifically his right knee injury.
Paxton nevertheless was durable during his Dodgers career and earned $600,000 each for his sixth, eighth, 10th, 12th and 16th starts this season. Paxton also earned a $1 million bonus for making an 18th start of the year, which came Sunday against the Red Sox.
Gavin Stone and Paxton are the only Dodgers starters to take their scheduled turn in the rotation every time this season.
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