PAXTON BACK IN BOSTON
The Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher James Paxton from the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Moises Bolivar.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
The fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation has been a revolving door all season. The addition of Paxton should solve that. Usually injury-prone, Paxton has been able to star 18 games this season with an 8-2 record and a 4.43 ERA. He also has allowed 48 walks, which he will need to reduce in the hitter-friendly AL East. Adding Paxton does not really change the Red Sox' direction, but it does add some stability to the rotation.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
Moving on from Paxton was more of a numbers game than a performance-based decision for the Dodgers–as their big-name pitchers are getting healthy. Little is known about young infielder Bolivar, the player the Dodgers get in return. This year has been his first season in the minor leagues, after signing as an international free agent in January 2024. In the rookie league, he was batting .270 with three homers and 19 RBI in 31 games.
Fantasy impact
Paxton fantasy owners should be relieved to see him getting back into the big leagues so quickly, after being designated for assignment. However, in leagues where Paxton is on the waiver wire, there is no rush to pick him up now that he has returned to the Red Sox. He has fairly pedestrian stats and may only be good for spot starts against certain opponents.
