Dodgers Eyeing James Paxton as Potential Rotation Upgrade

In the quest to strengthen their starting rotation for the upcoming season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to make some bold moves. With a track record of success in finding high-value pitchers, the Dodgers are once again exploring options to enhance their pitching staff.

Key Takeaways:

• The Dodgers are actively seeking to bolster their starting rotation.
• MLB insider Jim Bowden has linked the team to veteran left-handed pitcher James Paxton.
• Paxton could provide a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition to the Dodgers’ rotation.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has consistently demonstrated the Dodgers’ knack for identifying undervalued talent. Under his leadership, the team has consistently transformed underperforming pitchers into valuable assets. This offseason, the Dodgers are once again considering such a move, eyeing veteran left-handed pitcher James Paxton.

“James Paxton made five starts in 2020, one start in 2021 and no starts in 2022, but he took the mound for 19 starts this year for Boston, going 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA. He struck out 101 in 96 innings and allowed 93 hits. From 2017 through 2019, he averaged 27 starts a season with an ERA well under 4.00. In the first half of this season, Paxton went 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA, but he was hit hard in the second half (2-4, 6.98 ERA) and many GMs were surprised the Red Sox didn’t trade him at the deadline, when he had solid value. Paxton was shut down for the remainder of the season in September because of right knee inflammation.”

Per Jim Bowden of The Athletic

Paxton, who spent the previous season with the Boston Red Sox, is seen as a potential value signing for the Dodgers. While he may not be in the prime of his career, Paxton displayed promising performances during the first half of the season. This makes him an enticing option to slot into the back end of the Dodgers’ rotation.

Jim Bowden, a respected MLB insider at The Athletic, believes that Paxton could be a good fit for the Dodgers. He suggests that the contract could be structured as a one-year deal worth $8 million with performance-based incentives. This proposition aligns with the Dodgers’ philosophy of minimizing risk while seeking high rewards.

Whether Paxton becomes a key rotation piece or serves as depth for the Dodgers, he offers an intriguing opportunity. With numerous offseason options at their disposal, the Dodgers are carefully crafting a rotation strategy that could potentially lead them to another successful season.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Dodgers’ moves in the free-agent market. If they indeed secure James Paxton, it could be another savvy addition to their pitching arsenal, further solidifying their status as perennial contenders in Major League Baseball.