The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt James Paxton to the Boston Red Sox on Friday afternoon ahead of the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline. ESPN’s Jeff Passan is reporting that Boston will acquire left-handed starting pitcher Paxton. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Dodgers are acquiring minor-league infielder Moises Bolivar. Both teams hope this helps in their postseason pursuits.
The Red Sox have been gunning for a potential AL Wild Card push. As for the Dodgers, they have one of baseball’s loaded rosters. They add some minor-league depth. What does this trade do for both teams as the MLB Trade Deadline nears?
Sizing Up James Paxton, Boston Red Sox
Paxton was designated for assignment by the Dodgers last week. He was 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA and a 1.455 WHIP in 89.1 innings (18 starts) this season. James Paxton pitched for the Red Sox in 2023. In 19 games and coming back from Tommy John surgery, Paxton was 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 96.0 innings, so he is familiar with Fenway Park and the team.
For Boston, getting a veteran pitcher can help its young pitching staff through the season’s dog days. It’s a lift, especially after the team’s brutal West Coast trip against the Dodgers and Colorado Rockies. Boston is 24th in Major League Baseball with 530 total innings from starting pitchers. Getting James Paxton also helps to keep the bullpen more rested.
Sizing Up Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers were looking to add some starting pitching in the rotation. Clayton Kershaw just made his 2024 debut and Tyler Glasnow recently returned. Los Angeles expects rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto to return from his strained rotator cuff soon. Yet they didn’t need Paxton anymore. Getting a minor-league player helps add help to the Dodgers’ system.
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