The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued their busy offseason, agreeing to phrases on a one-year cope with left-handed pitcher James Paxton. Chad Dey on X/Twitter was first to report the deal. Then, Jon Heyman of the New York Submit adopted with a report that the perimeters had been “engaged on a attainable deal.”
Now, the deal seems to be agreed upon, as Paxton will get a base wage of at the very least $11 million with incentives, per Bob Nightengale of USA Right now. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic and Mark Feinsand of MLB.com have stated the deal could be for roughly $12 million.
James Paxton Scouting Report
Paxton fills the Dodgers’ greatest want as a left-handed starter. The 35-year-old is coming off a 2023 season through which he had a 4.50 ERA in 19 begins coming off Tommy John surgical procedure which sidelined him all of 2022.
Paxton is a 10-year veteran who started his MLB profession with the Seattle Mariners in 2013. He’s spent seven seasons with Seattle, two with the New York Yankees and one with the Boston Crimson Sox.
Paxton has a pitch combine that features 5 pitches. His major pitch is a four-seam fastball, which he threw 55.8 p.c of the time in 2023. He additionally has a knuckle curve, cutter, changeup and occasional sinker.
Paxton will likely be becoming a member of his fourth workforce and first Nationwide League workforce within the Dodgers. In his profession at Dodger Stadium, he has a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings.
What Does the Dodgers’ Rotation Look Like With James Paxton?
The Dodgers’ will lastly have a left-handed starter within the rotation with Paxton. Right here’s what it may appear like (as soon as Walker Buehler is totally wholesome).
Yoshinobu YamamotoTyler GlasnowWalker BuehlerBobby MillerJames PaxtonEmmet Sheehan
What Does the James Paxton Deal Imply for Clayton Kershaw?
Whereas Paxton does fill the Dodgers’ want for a left-handed beginning pitcher, it doesn’t essentially take them out of the Clayton Kershaw sweepstakes.
Kershaw received’t be again till late summer season as he rehabs his shoulder surgical procedure, and will nonetheless be an important addition to the Dodgers for after the All-Star break.
If everybody remained wholesome — and that’s a giant if — Kershaw may slide into the rotation and Sheehan may return to the bullpen in an extended aid position.
Picture Credit score: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports activities
