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2 Upcoming Free Agents the Red Sox Need to Let Walk, 2 They Need to Keep

By Devon Platana

BOSTON, MA - MAY 14: Corey Kluber #28 of the Boston Red Sox walks to the dugout during the fifth inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 14, 2023 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 14: Corey Kluber #28 of the Boston Red Sox walks to the dugout during the fifth inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 14, 2023 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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James Paxton, LHP

A lot of the fanbase (myself included) had doubts if James Paxton could ever be an MLB pitcher again. After all, the veteran southpaw started only six games from 2020 to 2022 due to a litany of injuries.

Instead of letting the doubters win, though, Paxton proved that he still has something left in the tank this season.

The Canadian hurler was solid before being shut down in September, going 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA while averaging 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings. He’s still dealt with the occasional injury now and then, but his 19 starts are the most he’s made since 2019, which is a good sign for his future.

The Red Sox will need to fill the rotation anyway this winter, so they may as well sign Paxton to another prove-it deal. He’s already talked about wanting to stay in an interview with The Boston Globe‘s Alex Speier on Wednesday.

"“I’ve had a good experience [in Boston]. I like pitching here, being part of this team, this club.” – James Paxton on returning to Boston in 2024"

Paxton added that he’s yet to hear from Boston about being brought back, so it’s time for management to fix that. He’s rediscovered his confidence with the Red Sox and there’s no reason for them not to see if lightning strikes twice with a low-risk one-year deal.

If he proves that 2022 wasn’t a fluke, we’ll have a quality mid-rotation contributor on our hands. If not, there isn’t any harm in trying.

Either way, bringing back Paxton is beneficial if the Red Sox want to be more respected in 2024.

In the meantime, you don’t need to wait until next year to cash in at Caesars Sportsbook. Caesars is offering $250 in bonus bets to new users who place a first wager of at least $50. Best of all, your wager doesn’t even have to cash to earn the credits! Make sure to jump on this promo before it’s too late!

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