Red Sox’s James Paxton Takes Hard Stance On Whether He Wants To Be Traded

The 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is just under two weeks away and the Boston Red Sox are sure to look a little different.

Boston has been surprisingly scrappy this season and currently is just two games out of a Wild Card spot with a 52-47 record. The Red Sox were expected to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline but at this point, Boston may be more inclined to buy. One player who certainly found his name in trade rumors is starting pitcher James Paxton, although his future is unclear. The big lefty will be a free agent at the end of the 2023 campaign but arguably has been the Red Sox's best pitcher this season. 

Paxton opened up about his name being in trade rumors and gave his opinion on what he wants to happen.

“I’m focused on what we’re doing here,” Paxton said as transcribed by MassLive.com's Christopher Smith. “That stuff’s totally out of my control. So not trying to think about that at all. Obviously, you see it. You hear it. But like I said, no control for me. I’m focused on winning here with Boston.”

Paxton missed the entire 2022 campaign and appeared in just six games total between the 2020 and 2021 seasons combined as he dealt with a plethora of injuries. The 34-year-old now is fully healthy and has been extremely effective for the Red Sox. So far this season the big lefty has compiled a 6-2 record to go along with a 3.46 ERA across 12 starts. 

If the Red Sox were to deal Paxton ahead of the trade deadline, he likely would bring in a solid haul. Although this is the case, the Red Sox are in the postseason hunt and it may make more sense to hold on to Paxton.