New York Yankees acquire James Paxton for Sheffield and two other prospects
By Jason Evans
The New York Yankees add James Paxton to the top of their rotation for a package of three prospects including Justus Sheffield
The New York Yankees quest to upgrade their starting rotation in 2019 took a step forward, just a few days before Thanksgiving. After keeping CC Sabathia for next season, they added another left-handed starter to the rotation, left-hander James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners.
Paxton deal to Yankees is for Sheffield, OF Don Thompson-Williams and RHP Erik Swanson.
— Corey Brock (@CoreyBrockMLB) November 19, 2018
The 30 year old Paxton went 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA. In 160.1 innings, he struck out 208 batters. He had a FIP of 3.23. Paxton increased his cutter usage last year by 4%. He uses his curveball about 21% of the time, so it will be interesting how much the New York Yankees change Paxton’s patterns if at all this coming season.
James Paxton had a career-best strikeout rate of 32.2% in 2018, the 5th-highest mark in MLB (min. 150 IP) and the highest strikeout rate by a Mariners starter since Randy Johnson in 1997 (34.2%). No starter in Yankees history has had a strikeout rate of at least 30% (min. 150 IP) pic.twitter.com/mWnXAbU5HP
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 19, 2018
In the deal, the New York Yankees give up their top prospect in Justus Sheffield, who was one of the main prospects they got in the Andrew Miller deal. He was 7-6 with a 2.48 ERA in AA and AAA last season with a brief cameo at the MLB level. Fastball command seems to be the issue that the Yankees and others had with him. I’d expect Sheffield to compete for a spot in the Mariner rotation in 2019.
Swanson was the New York Yankees 22nd ranked prospect, per MLB pipeline, who was 8-2 with a 2.66 ERA at three levels last season. He struck out 139 in 122 innings.
Thompson-Williams was the Yankees fifth round pick in the 2016 draft. Between two different levels of A ball, he hit 22 homers, stole 20 bases and had an OPS of .909.
Next. Trade destinations for Sonny Gray. dark
For the New York Yankees, they get a number two starter to pair with Luis Severino at the top of the rotation, He won’t be a free agent until after 2020. Their clear another prospect they would have had to protect on the 40-man roster in Swanson and they have plenty of arms. The great Mariner rebuild continues as they now have dealt their starting catcher and their ace.