Major League Insider Says Boston Red Sox Starter Could Have Big Trade Value

If the Boston Red Sox decide to become sellers at the trade deadline, starting pitcher James Paxton could be a big commodity according to Insider Ken Rosenthal.

At 34-35 and 5.0 games back of a wild card spot, the direction for the Boston Red Sox at this point isn't clear.

But should the Sox decide to become sellers ahead of the trade deadline, noted baseball insider Ken Rosenthal says they have a very attractive trade piece on their roster in left-handed pitcher James Paxton.

“Honestly, if Paxton stays upright and pitching like this, he's going to have tremendous trade value.” 

That's what he told the Fenway Rundown baseball podcast hosted by Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam on their most recent episode.

After missing nearly all of the last three years with injury, Paxton has enjoyed a nice resurgence in Boston. 

In six starts, he's 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA. He's struck out 44 over 32 innings and is flashing upper-90s velocity.

Rosenthal is right, health is the biggest question for him, but should he stay healthy, he's likely the most attractive trade piece that the Red Sox have given that he's a pitcher, left-handed and on an affordable $4 million deal (which is pro-rated).

This is his tenth year in the big leagues but his 11th in major league baseball (he didn't pitch at all in 2022). He spent seven years with the Seattle Mariners and two with the New York Yankees before coming to Boston in 2022.

In addition to Paxton, the team could market Enrique Hernandez, Justin Turner, Adam Duvall and Kenley Jansen should they become sellers.

The Red Sox will open up a weekend series with the Yankees on Friday night at Fenway Park.

First pitch is 7:10 p.m. ET as Domingo German pitches for New York against Tanner Houck.

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