"Strong Likelihood" James Paxton Will Be Pursued By AL Playoff Hopeful

The Los Angeles Dodgers surprised many when they DFA'd starting pitcher James Paxton on Monday. He had accumulated an 8-2 mark in LA with a relatively decent 4.43 ERA. He was one of the only healthy pitchers in the Dodgers rotation (yes, a surprising turn of events for Paxton).

Now, in DFA purgatory for seven days, the veteran starter will be in demand after his performance this season, and one of those rumored to be after him appears to be his former team from 2023, the Boston Red Sox.

Per Rob Bradford of WEEI:

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.

Red Sox Nation has been clamoring for the team to make some additions as they have positioned themselves with a decent shot at making the postseason for the first time since 2021, sitting at 53-46, only two games out of a Wild Card spot.

But Bradford adds that Paxton, whether he serves as a starter or a long reliever, will be in demand for plenty of playoff-hopeful teams.

"There will be competition for Paxton's services considering he represents a piece of the puzzle more than a few contending teams are thirsty for - an inning-eating veteran starter who can help a club get to the finish line."

At 18 starts and 89.1 innings thus far this season, the oft-injured 35-year-old is just one start shy of matching his numbers from 2023, and making this his healthiest season since 2019 when The Big Maple was with the Seattle Mariners.

The BoSox could use a reliable 5th starter to slot in after Tanner Houck, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello.

The Dodgers have seven days to either trade Paxton or place him on “outright or unconditional release waivers.” He carries a $4 million salary for this season.

He went 7-5 for Boston last season with a 4.50 ERA.