Former Seattle Mariners' Lefty Generating "Strong" Interest on Free Agent Market From AL East Club

According to Boston Red Sox Insider Rob Bradford, the Red Sox are interested in a reunion with left-hander James Paxton. Paxton pitched with the Red Sox in 2023.

According to Boston Red Sox Insider Rob Bradford, the Red Sox are interested in bringing back former Seattle Mariners left-handed pitcher James Paxton.

From Bradford:

Per source, Red Sox showing strong interest in bringing back James Paxton

Per source, Red Sox showing strong interest in bringing back James Paxton

— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) December 23, 2023

Paxton, who pitched for Seattle from 2013-2018, and again in 2021, pitched for Boston in 2023. He went 7-5 across 19 starts with a 4.50 ERA.

Mariners fans are undoubtedly rooting for the best for Paxton, who was a fan-favorite during his tenures in Seattle. The "Big Maple" tossed a no-hitter for the Mariners and went 41-26 during his seven years in Seattle.

Along with Taijuan Walker and Danny Hultzen, Paxton was supposed to be part of a "Big three" for the Mariners back in the early 2010s. Walker was ultimately traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Hultzen was injured and never pitched for Seattle.

Unfortunately, injuries have also been a part of the story for Paxton. He's never made 30 starts in a season. He made just five starts in the COVID 2020 season, one start in the 2021 season and then he missed the entire 2022 season.

If he were to re-sign with the Red Sox, he'd join a rotation that currently has Chris Sale, Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock as options for it.

Boston finished in last place in the American League East during the 2023 season. They last made the playoffs in 2021, when they went to the ALCS.

Boston last won a World Series in 2018.

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