What Role Will James Paxton Play With Red Sox? Chaim Bloom Opens Up About Intriguing Hurler

Paxton could have a big role with Boston in 2023

The Boston Red Sox have plenty of question marks.

Boston certainly struggled in 2022 with a 78-84 record, but there are things to be optimistic about heading into 2023. The Red Sox have had a busy offseason, to say the least, and have made some intriguing additions. But, they also will be getting some players back this season from injury. One of the biggest question marks will be the health of left-handed pitcher James Paxton. Many have wondered what his role will be with the club and Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom opened up about it in a conversation with MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo on the Fenway Rundown podcast. 

“Until we get a little closer and we know exactly where he’s at, I don’t want to say anything definitively,” Bloom said to Cotillo. “I will say with somebody at the stage of his career that he’s at and having been through as much medically as he’s been through, adding the variable of asking to do something he hasn’t really done is something that we would have to think long and hard before doing. That doesn’t rule it out.”

The Red Sox's starting rotation will be some combination of Paxton, Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, Brayan Bello, Garrett Whitlock, Nick Pivetta, and Tanner Houck. The team likely will roll out a five-man starting rotation so two members of the crew will be moved to the bullpen, or elsewhere. If Paxton is healthy and is able to go, he could be an interesting option for Boston. The 34-year-old has a career ERA of 3.59 but has pitched just 21 2/3 innings pitched since 2020.  

Paxton last pitched a full season in 2019 and compiled a 3.89 ERA and 15-9 record as a member of the New York Yankees in 29 starts. The longtime Seattle Mariner certainly has some American League East experience and if he's able to recapture what he was before injuries slowed him down, he could be a major player for Boston. 

With the 2023 campaign quickly approaching, we're sure to get some more answers very soon, but things do sound like they're looking up for the Red Sox.

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