It looks like the Boston Red Sox are looking to bolster their rotation by adding a seasoned arm to the lineup.
Even when the biggest stars available have already found new homes, there is still a reservoir of talent accessible on the free-agent market. The Red Sox still have a chance to strengthen their mediocre rotation even if they haven’t yet made a big impact this offseason.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman tweeted on Thursday night, “The Red Sox still need to do something in a division that’s getting tougher for them (three last-place finishes in four years).” The primary requirement is pitching. James Paxton has a good chance of making a comeback, and they have ties to Lucas Giolito, Shōta Imanaga, and Jordan Montgomery.”
In 96 innings thrown over 19 games last season, Paxton recorded a 4.50 ERA, 101-to-33 strikeout-to-walk ratio,.250 batting average against, and 1.31 WHIP.
Despite his history of injuries, the right-hander was still able to contribute last season and, should Boston choose to bring him back, might have a few solid performances in 2024 and beyond.
Re-signing Paxton would probably not put the team in debt, allowing them to pay some of the top free agents out there to bolster their lineup.