James Paxton was at Dodger Stadium on Monday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers began their final homestand of the regular season with a highly-anticipated matchup.
Paxton’s visit entailed receiving his 2024 Dodgers World Series ring and spending time with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts, among others.
The 36-year-old completed an 11th season in 2024 and retired. He split last year with the Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox.
James Paxton received his 2024 World Series ring. pic.twitter.com/4NXvVeCfxi
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) September 15, 2025
Paxton signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers that included performance bonuses. Paxton’s tenure with the team then came to an abrupt end as the Dodgers decided to designate him for assignment as a corresponding move to calling up River Ryan for his MLB debut.
Paxton was ultimately traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for prospect Moises Bolivar, who at the time was in the Dominican Summer League.
“It was tough. James is an absolute pro. I was very fortunate, we were all fortunate, to get to have him don the Dodger uniform. It’s one of those decisions that is very difficult,” manager Dave Roberts said of the Dodgers deciding to DFA Paxton.
“Trying to understand the guys we have coming back, the guys we want to get looks at, and in particular, some starters, so it was a difficult decision. He handled it like a pro. Brandon Gomes called him this morning and I followed up with a phone call. Like I said, he handled it great. Grateful for his time and we were very fortunate to have him.”
James Paxton Dodgers stats
Paxton went 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA, 4.96 FIP and 1.46 WHIP in 18 starts for the Dodgers. At the time of his DFA, Paxton led the National League with 48 walks and was striking out a career-low 6.4 batters per nine innings.
He managed to make just three starts for the Red Sox before suffering a season-ending partially torn right calf muscle.
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