Feb 25, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton (65) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
James Paxton, LHP, New York Yankees
2018: “Big Maple” reached new career highs in starts (28) and innings (160.1) and was overpowering at times, pitching a no-hitter in Toronto in May and ramping up his swinging-strike rate to a career-best 14.3 percent. His ERA was so-so at 3.76, but advanced metrics paint a rosier picture; his xFIP was 3.02 — fifth-best among the 74 pitchers with at least 150 innings.
Forecast: Seattle traded Paxton to New York when Hot Stove season opened, and the Yankees will slot him as a co-ace behind Luis Severino. Or in front of Severino if Paxton maximizes his potential. He’s been to the DL in each of the past five seasons, but not for any major shoulder or elbow issues, and there’s no real reason why he can’t make 32 starts. Seriously! Recommended.
2019 Projections: 17-8 with a 3.66 ERA, 232 strikeouts, 1.12 WHIP in 179 innings pitched
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