The Boston Red Sox are just one game out of a playoff spot after their first 100 games of the 2024 campaign, but they could use some help down the stretch.
The MLB trade deadline is roughly a week away, meaning Boston's last chance to make a real impact move will be gone soon.
According to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier, the Red Sox have been actively engaged in discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers about starting pitcher James Paxton after he was designated for assignment.
The 35-year-old lefty spent the last two seasons with Boston, including the entire 2022 year that he spent rehabbing. He posted 4.50 ERA and a 1.313 WHIP in his 19 starts for the Red Sox, and this year has been roughly the same, recording a 4.43 ERA and a 1.455 WHIP in 18 starts.
If Paxton clears waivers, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will have an opportunity to trade for the veteran, who is a free agent at the end of the year.
Having a consistent, competent pitcher making a start every fifth day could certainly help this team make a push for the postseason.
