Philadelphia Phillies: 4 free-agent options for rotation depth
By Travis Koch
Philadelphia Phillies options: James Paxton as the No. 3 starter
The Philadelphia Phillies were one of two teams in MLB to not start a left-handed pitcher in 2020. James Paxton would solve that problem, perhaps spectacularly, if he’s back to full health.
Paxton gave the New York Yankees five outings last season before a strain to his left flexor tendon sidelined him through October. Having also had back surgery last February, the 32-year-old is now prominently tagged as injury-prone. All indications point to a healthy Paxton at the moment, however, which should matter most to the Phillies.
His track record is his sales pitch. Just two seasons ago, Paxton started 29 games for the Yankees, compiling a 15-6 record, 3.82 ERA and 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings. 2019 marked the seventh consecutive year in which he recorded a sub-4.00 ERA (each season of his big league career).
The 6’4” southpaw averaged 95.5 mph on his fastball in 2019, though the average dropped to 92.1 in short work in 2020. A simple evaluation should provide Philadelphia clarity as to whether his velocity is an ongoing issue.
If it’s not, then now is the time for the Phillies to pursue Paxton. He’s affordable, coming off a season marred by injuries. The Yankees offered $11 million over one year to Corey Kluber, who pitched one inning in 2020. The Phillies could potentially bring in James Paxton on a similar deal.
Assuming he’s a full-go, Paxton would slot in as Philadelphia’s No. 3 starter. He’d bridge an ideal gap between right-handers Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler in the front of the rotation and right-hander Zach Eflin on the back end. Most importantly, a robust Paxton would make the Phillies a better team.