The Boston Red Sox may not look the same after the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline.
Boston currently is in last place in the American League East with a 34-35 record after earning a much-needed win against the Colorado Rockies Wednesday night at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox are 3-3 over their last six games and although the club should get better shortly with Trevor Story and Chris Sale set to return to the field this summer, they will need to make up some ground in the standings to avoid being sellers at the trade deadline.
One player who reportedly could have a big market if the Red Sox decide to sell at the deadline is surging left-handed pitcher James Paxton, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
“Honestly, if (James Paxton) stays upright and pitching like this, he’s going to have tremendous trade value,” Rosenthal said on the latest edition of the Fenway Rundown podcast with MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam.
Paxton missed the majority of the last three seasons due to injuries but returned to the field this season for Boston and has impressed.
In six starts, Paxton has pitched to a 3.08 ERA while allowing just 11 earned runs in 32 innings pitched. Boston’s rotation has started to take a turn in the right direction and one of the biggest reasons why has without a doubt been Paxton.
If the Red Sox still are in contention for a Wild Card spot then he likely will remain with the club. But if the Red Sox aren’t able to make up any ground, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Paxton on the move.
Paxton is making just $4 million this season so his contract is easily movable. Plus, he will be a free agent at the end of the season so there’s no way for Boston to know if he will be back with the club.
Hopefully, Boston can rack up some wins and make a push for a Wild Card spot, but if not it may make sense to be sellers and get ready for 2024.
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