The Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in on a one-year agreement with free agent starting pitcher James Paxton on Monday night, sources told ESPN, confirming multiple reports.
Paxton's deal, which is still pending the completion of a physical exam, would pay him about $11 million in guaranteed money, a source familiar with the negotiations said.
A 35-year-old left-hander with a checkered injury history, Paxton made only six starts from 2020 to 2022 after undergoing a procedure to repair a herniated disc and remove a cyst from his back, as well as Tommy John surgery.
Paxton returned in May 2023, nearly 25 months after his elbow surgery, and ultimately went 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 19 starts for the Boston Red Sox, striking out 101 batters and issuing 33 walks in 96 innings.