The Boston Red Sox acquired left-hander James Paxton from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, attempting to fortify their rotation as they chase a playoff spot in a wide-open American League landscape, sources told ESPN.
The deal for Paxton, 35, comes after Los Angeles designated him for assignment Monday. Paxton had thrown 89.1 innings of 4.43 ERA ball over 18 starts, helping stabilize an injury-riddled rotation as he'd done in 2023 with Boston.
Paxton's return to the Red Sox, who he left to sign a one-year, $7 million free agent deal with Los Angeles, gives Boston seven potential starting pitchers, with Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, Cooper Criswell and Josh Winckowski, who is currently pitching out of the bullpen.
The Red Sox's surprising run — they're one game back of Kansas City for the final AL wild-card spot — has left the team looking to improve on the margins.