James Paxton Rumors: Insider reveals team 'eyeing' to add veteran pitcher

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to add a starting pitcher this offseason and could reportedly turn to veteran right-hander James Paxton. After his contract with the Boston Red Sox expired this offseason, he became a free agent.

Paxton had a solid season in Boston last year. Across 19 starts, he held a 7-5 record with a 4.50 ERA. He has bounced around the league, playing for four teams thus far, but could find his stability in Baltimore.

The Orioles are coming off a fantastic 2023 season. They finished the year with a 101-61 record, winning the division title and making the postseason. However, they were bested by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS.

Baltimore is a talented team, but they are missing one or two pieces to push them over the edge. While Paxton is perhaps not a star-studded name, he would likely bolster the rotation filled with exciting young arms and not cost much.

Many insiders believed the Orioles could try their hand at landing one of the many starters being dangled in trade talks. Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes and Shane Bieber could all be traded this offseason.

However, the price for any of these pitchers will cost the team a lot. And while all three pitchers listed are aces, they come with their concerns. Baltimore may rather sign a lesser pitcher, knowing they will not lose anybody within their farm system.

Its been a tough couple of seasons for James Paxton

Boston Red Sox v San Francisco Giants

Ahead of the 2021 season, Paxton agreed to a deal with the Seattle Mariners, but it did not go well. During his first start, he was removed from the game after throwing just 24 pitches.

Paxton was dealing with elbow discomfort and would later have to have Tommy John surgery, ending his season. Working on a one-year deal with Seattle meant Paxton was a free agent following the season.

During the offseason in 2021, Paxton signed a deal with the Boston Red Sox. He did not pitch during the 2022 season as he was still recovering from surgery but got back on the mound last season.