Dodgers agree to deal with veteran lefty Paxton

*Photo from the Sporting Tribune*

   Here's another free agent signing in California. The Los Angeles Dodgers and LHP James Paxton have agreed to a one year, $11 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. The Dodgers have confirmed the signing.

   Paxton will get a $1 million bonus if he's on the Dodgers opening day roster and another $1 million is available in performance incentives. Paxton pitched in 2023 for the first time since making one start in 2021 before undergoing Tommy John Surgery. Recovery and multiple other injuries delayed Paxton's return to the field.

   Last season, Paxton suited up for the Boston Red Sox when he was healthy enough to pitch. He ended the year with a 4.50 ERA, 4.68 FIP, and 1.313 WHIP, averaging 9.5 strikeouts per 9 innings while throwing 96 innings in 19 starts for Boston, who finished in last place in the AL East.

   The biggest enemy of Paxton's career has been injuries. He's exceeded 160 innings just once in his big league career and he has undergone multiple surgeries in recent years. He didn't debut in 2023 until May due to a hamstring injury and was shut down near the end of the season due to knee inflammation.

   Paxton has pitched for the Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners in his 10 year career. He has a 3.69 ERA, 1.224 WHIP, and 3.46 FIP to his name, averaging 9.9 strikeouts per 9 with a no hitter and two complete games over 850 2/3 innings, making 156 starts. He has allowed 5 runs in 13 innings over 3 starts in the playoffs.

   When healthy, Paxton has proven to be a solid pitcher. He had a 3.42 ERA in his first tenure with the Mariners, spanning 6 years. That includes a no hitter in 2018 against the Toronto Blue Jays in his native country of Canada. He hasn't been able to stay healthy, never hitting 30 starts in a season.

   The Dodgers have been busy adding high end talent this offseason. Shohei Ohtani, Manuel Margot, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Teoscar Hernandez have joined the Dodgers as they look to make a push for the World Series.