As the sun sets on another Major League Baseball season, it also sets on the career of James Paxton, the Boston Red Sox left-hander known as "Big Maple." At 35 years old, Paxton has announced his intention to retire once the season concludes, putting an end to a career that has been as tumultuous as it has been illustrious.
Paxton's journey in professional baseball is marked by both outstanding achievements and significant challenges. Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Paxton earned his nickname "Big Maple" due to his impressive stature and his Canadian roots. His career highlights include pitching a no-hitter on May 8, 2018, against the Toronto Blue Jays, a game that solidified his status as a formidable force on the mound.
From Seattle to Boston: A Spiraled Career
Paxton began his major league career with the Seattle Mariners, where he played from 2014 to 2018. During his stint in Seattle, he posted a commendable 3.50 ERA and maintained a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.70 across 558 innings. Such performances earned him respect as a reliable pitcher, albeit his time with the Mariners was characterized by intermittent injuries.
Following his tenure in Seattle, Paxton was traded to the New York Yankees in a four-player swap. His time in New York, however, was brief and riddled with injuries, a pattern that sadly followed him throughout his career. He also had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers before signing with the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox Chapter and Persistent Injuries
James Paxton’s time with the Red Sox was hoped to be a fresh start, but injuries continued to plague him. This season, he has spent time on the 60-day injured list due to a partial tear in his right calf muscle. Despite these setbacks, Paxton managed to make more than 20 appearances in a season for the first time since 2019, a testament to his resilience.
His performance metrics over the years reflect both his talent and the obstacles he faced. Over 177 major league appearances spanning 11 seasons, Paxton amassed a 110 ERA+ and 13.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). This year, he made 19 appearances, though his injury significantly impacted the Red Sox's rotation at a critical juncture in the season. Currently, the Red Sox are four games behind in the chase for the final American League wild-card spot, a position where Paxton's presence would have been invaluable.
Announcing Retirement
Paxton's decision to retire was disclosed by Rob Bradford during an appearance on the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast. It marks the end of a career that evolved from a talented prospect to a revered veteran. His story is one of potential, adversity, and achievement. The nickname "Big Maple" will be remembered not just for his physical presence on the mound but also for his ability to overcome challenges.
James Paxton’s legacy will certainly include his famed no-hitter, a feat that pitchers dream of but few achieve. His persistence through numerous injuries and his determination to return to the mound time and time again also form significant aspects of his story. As Paxton steps away from professional baseball, fans and players alike reflect on a career that, while not without its hardships, was marked by moments of brilliance and an unyielding passion for the game.