The Yankees and the Seattle Mariners completed the first MLB trade this offseason on Monday with a deal that will see star pitcher James Paxton head to New York in exchange for three prospects.
“I couldn’t be more excited about it,” Paxton said Monday. “It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity in New York, always expecting to win, the way I do. I’m looking forward to being a part of a fantastic team.”
Paxton, 30, was Seattle’s best batters in the past two seasons. He hit a career-high 208 batters last season with a record of 11-6 and 3.76 ERA. He also tossed the sixth no-hitter in the team’s history in a 5-0 home win against the Blue Jays.
In 2017, Paxton had a slightly better year, recording 2.98 ERA in 12-5. While health holds the pitcher back at times, the 33-year-old completes great numbers. He registered double-digit strikeouts last season, including one where he made 16 batters.
A plus with the 33-year-old is that his contract runs through 2021. His salary isn’t also a big concern. He earned just $4.9 million last year. A good negotiation will see the Yankees and the player reach a favorable agreement. Better yet, they get a player who bolsters the team’s thin rotation squad.
