12 Red Sox Who Won't Be Back in 2025 After Falling Short of Playoffs Again
By Ryan Bunton
8. James Paxton
James Paxton's 2024 time with the Red Sox was cut short after only 11 innings pitched. Paxton began the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting an impressive 8-2 record with a 4.43 ERA before he was acquired by the Red Sox in July.
Boston flipped prospect Moises Bolivar to reunite with Paxton on July 26. Paxton's first go-around with the Red Sox began when he signed with the club in Dec. 2021, but the southpaw missed the entire 2022 season. He had a strong 2023 season when healthy, but both began and ended the season on the injured list before signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers in Jan. 2024.
The 11-year veteran turns 36 in November and has been injury riddled. He is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Paxton was a low-cost option for Boston to upgrade their rotation at the deadline, but he almost certainly doesn't fit into their future plans.