With just one week until the trade deadline, it’s time for the Boston Red Sox to make a decision about how they will approach the remainder of the 2024 season. Boston is currently seven games out of the top of the American League East but just two games out of the final AL Wild Card spot.
At least one member of the Red Sox team believes being aggressive is the right way to go. Audacy Sports podcast host Rob Bradford spoke with Tyler O’Neill about the looming deadline, and O’Neill said, “I really want to buy.”
The Red Sox’ first acquisition of the second half of the season may not come in the form of a trade, as they already appear to be looking at a possible reunion to bolster their rotation.
On Monday afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated left-handed starting pitcher James Paxton for assignment, a move that will make room for promising pitcher River Ryan and soon-to-be returning relievers Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow.
Paxton is 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA in 2024. The lefty has struggled with control this year, walking 48 batters in just 89.1 innings, the most walks of any pitcher in the National League.
This year’s struggles aside, Paxton’s impressive 11-year career and the fact he can be acquired without a trade make him an attractive option for the Boston Red Sox, who are also no strangers to Fenway Park.
In 2023, James Paxton pitched in 19 games for the Red Sox, going 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA. It may not have been the most successful season of Paxton’s career, but returning to a familiar field may bring some comfort and lead to better performance.
Acquiring Paxton is easier said than done for the Red Sox. Other contenders who are in the midst of a championship race but aren’t ready to make an aggressive trade will likely be interested in signing him. The Atlanta Braves could be the front-runners in the race to acquire James Paxton.