Paxton signs with Dodgers

January 24, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed James Paxton to a one-year, $11-million contract, according to Ronald Blum of The Associated Press.

Blum reported that the deal is subject to a physical.

According to Blum if Paxton passes the physical, the Ladner B.C., native will receive a $3 million signing bonus and an $8 million salary from the Dodgers for 2024.

Paxton would also receive a $1 million bonus if he cracks the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. The contract also includes up to $1 million in other performance bonuses. For example, the Canuck southpaw would be paid $250,000 if can make 16 starts and another $250,000 if he reaches 18.

Blum reports that Paxton will be paid an additional $500,000 if he makes 20 starts.

After missing nearly two full seasons due to Tommy John surgery and other injuries, Paxton posted a 5-1 record and a 2.73 ERA in his first 10 starts with the Boston Red Sox in 2023. He finished the season with a 7-5 record and a 4.50 ERA, while striking out 101 batters in 96 innings. His 19 starts were tied with Cleveland Guardians right-hander Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) for the most by a Canadian in the majors.

The 6-foot-4 lefty, who had signed with the Red Sox prior to the 2022 season, was paid $4 million in 2023.

A North Delta Blue Jays and Junior National Team alum, the 35-year-old southpaw has pitched in parts of 10 major league campaigns with the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Red Sox and owns a 64-38 record and a 3.69 ERA in 156 starts.

He will join a Dodgers’ starting rotation that already includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Walker Buehler (returning from Tommy John surgery). Longtime ace Clayton Kershaw remains a free agent.