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James Paxton Planning To Retire

By Anthony Franco | September 11, 2024 at 11:59pm CDT

Red Sox left-hander James Paxton plans to retire after this season, he tells Rob Bradford of WEEI. The 11-year big league veteran announced the news on Bradford’s Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast (X link).

“I’m hoping that we can squeak into the postseason and I get an opportunity to pitch again. But I think, after this season, I’m going to be retiring and moving on to the next chapter,” Paxton said. The 35-year-old called it a “tough” decision because he remains confident in his ability but indicated he feels it’s the right time to “settle in at home.” Paxton told Bradford he has already gotten to work on building a company focused on addressing athletes’ mental health.

While there’s a small chance he gets back on the mound this year, it’s likely his playing career is over. Paxton tore his right calf in mid-August and was placed on the 60-day injured list last month. He’s ineligible to return until the middle of October. The Sox would need to erase a four-game deficit in the Wild Card race and likely need to make a run into at least the ALCS for Paxton to be able to get on the mound.

Injuries were an unfortunately frequent occurrence. This season was only the fifth in which he reached 100 MLB innings. Paxton was a very productive pitcher when healthy, highlighted by a four-year peak with the Mariners and Yankees at the end of the 2010s.

The Blue Jays initially drafted Paxton, a British Columbia native who’d eventually earn the “Big Maple” nickname. Toronto selected him 37th overall in the 2009 draft. The sides couldn’t agree to contract terms, however, sending the 6’4″ southpaw back to the draft the following year. Seattle selected him in the fourth round, a move that would pay off a few seasons later.

Paxton was immediately one of the M’s top pitching prospects. He got to the big leagues as a September call-up in 2013, firing 24 innings of 1.50 ERA ball. Paxton battled shoulder and finger injuries, respectively, over the following two seasons. He was limited to 13 starts in each year but managed a sub-4.00 earned run average both times. Paxton topped 100 innings and reached 20 appearances for the first time in 2016, turning in a 3.79 ERA with nearly a strikeout per inning.

The following season saw Paxton emerge as an upper mid-rotation starter, at least on a rate basis. He fired 136 frames with a career-best 2.98 ERA while striking out more than 28% of opponents. Paxton continued to miss bats in bunches the following year, when he fanned 32.2% of batters faced with a 3.76 ERA across 160 1/3 innings. Among pitchers with 150+ innings, only Chris Sale, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole had a better strikeout rate that year.

That 2018 campaign saw Paxton log the highest workload of his career and included perhaps his two best performances. Paxton no-hit the Jays at the Rogers Centre in May 2018, becoming the second Canadian pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter. That was one of two complete game victories he posted that month, though those arguably weren’t even his best outings. Paxton also struck out a personal-high 16 A’s hitters over seven scoreless innings in the start preceding his no-hitter. Overall, he struck out 51 hitters with a 1.67 ERA across 43 innings that month.

At the end of that season, the M’s traded Paxton’s final two seasons of arbitration eligibility to the Yankees for a three-player return. The headliner, Justus Sheffield, did not pan out. Erik Swanson, included as the secondary piece, developed into a productive reliever. Paxton had a strong first season in the Bronx, tossing 150 2/3 frames of 3.82 ERA ball while punching out nearly 30% of opposing hitters. He started a trio of postseason games for a Yankee team that lost to the Astros in the ALCS. Barring a surprise run from this year’s Sox, those were the only playoff appearances of his career. Paxton fanned 20 while allowing five runs in 13 innings (3.46 ERA).

That was Paxton’s final full season. He sustained a flexor strain during the shortened 2020 season, limiting him to five starts in his walk year. The Mariners brought him back during his first free agent trip on a buy-low $8.5MM deal. Paxton pitched once before his elbow blew out. He underwent Tommy John surgery and wouldn’t pitch again until 2023.

Paxton made 19 starts and logged 96 innings for the Red Sox last season, the second year of a $10MM free agent deal. He returned to the open market and signed with the Dodgers on a contract that eventually paid him $13MM after he hit certain start bonuses. L.A. squeezed him off the roster just before the trade deadline and flipped him back to Boston. Paxton made three starts for the Sox before suffering the calf injury. He’ll finish the year with a 4.40 ERA across 100 1/3 innings between the two clubs.

While the injuries kept Paxton a bit below 1000 innings, he finishes his career with a solid 3.77 earned run average. Paxton recorded his 1000th strikeout against former teammate Justin Turner on July 30. He made 177 appearances, all starts, and compiled a 73-41 record with a pair of complete games. Paxton’s one shutout was a memorable one — the aforementioned no-hitter in his home country. Baseball Reference credits him with roughly 14 wins above replacement, while he was worth 19 WAR at FanGraphs. B-Ref calculates his earnings at nearly $50MM. MLBTR congratulates Paxton on a fine career and sends our best wishes on his worthwhile endeavor to help athletes with their mental health.

Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.

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109 Comments

  1. troy

    1 year ago

    Understandable decision. Not withstanding passable results he’s looked done all season.

    3
    Reply
    • Gwynning

      1 year ago

      I would retort that he ends his career with a 109 ERA+ in ’24 Boston against his career 110 ERA+. Raw data doesn’t suggest “he’s looked done.” IF this is the end, happy trails Big Maple!

      23
      Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        1 year ago

        Gwynn – He cannot stay healthy, that’s the problem. I’m glad the Red Sox cannot go ahead with their plans to sign him for next season. I wish him well.

        Yet another player ends his MLB career after Boston’s ill-fated decision to acquire them.

        10
        Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          Fever Pitch Guy: Happens to every team.

          3
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          1 year ago

          blue – I agree, but it seems like the frequency is far greater with my team.

          Here’s a sample of players that never played another MLB game after playing for the Red Sox …. and other than Hill, these guys aren’t old:

          Rich Hill
          James Paxton
          Christian Arroyo
          Yu Chang
          Jorge Alfaro
          Caleb Hamilton
          Chris Murphy
          Richard Bleier
          Jake Faria
          Brandon Walter
          Justin Garza
          Matt Dermody
          Corey Kluber
          Ryan Sherriff
          Kyle Barraclough
          Zack Weiss
          Mauricio Llovera
          Adalberto Mondesi
          Jaylin Davis
          Travis Shaw
          Hansel Robles
          Hirokazu Sawamura
          Darwinzon Hernández
          Phillips Valdéz
          Franklin German
          Michael Feliz
          Tyler Danish
          Danny Santana
          Brandon Workman
          Stephen Gonsalves
          Brandon Brennan
          Brad Peacock
          César Puello
          Deivy Grullón
          Robinson Leyer
          Kyle Hart
          Matt Hall
          Andrew Triggs
          Marcus Walden

          39 players, and that list is just 2020-2023 ….. goes to show how much crap the Red Sox have thrown against the wall since Dombrowski left, hoping to save a few bucks. It really says something when NO OTHER team gave any of them another shot in the majors.

          If you can find a team with more than 39 for the same 2020-2023 time period, let us know.

          11
          Reply
        • Boxy Brown

          1 year ago

          I discovered MLB trade rumors about three or four years ago and as a Red Sox fan and as a baseball fan and a fantasy baseball manager, this is my go-to. I really appreciate your Insight about my beloved Red Sox Fever. That list says it all but some of those players played in 2021 which was a magical season. And even though it’s pretty unlikely the Red Sox do make the playoffs, there’s always hope. We play the Twins three times next week. Let’s get it done against the Yankees tonight!

          3
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          1 year ago

          Boxy – Thank you! Yeah 2021 was the last hurrah for the 2018 World Champs ….. ERod, Eovaldi, Xander, JD, Vazquez …. lot of talent, lot of great memories.

          I’m feeling good about the Sox tonight!

          5
          Reply
        • Silas

          1 year ago

          Sox goin down 2-night

          1
          Reply
      • Cam

        1 year ago

        @Gwynning – I don’t want to be that guy, but you’re aruging with someone by saying the “raw data” doesn’t suggest he looks done, when it actually does.

        He’s running a 1.46 K/BB ratio this year (5.3% K-BB %, worst of his career). His fastball has dropped 2mph since last year. He’s running a near career low GB%. Pitching metrics suggest, with his luck normalized, he should be running an ERA around 5.2 this season.

        Basically, he’s walking more guys, striking out less guys, lost velocity, struggling to get ground balls, and having to throw his curveball a career high amount because his fastball is ineffective.

        OP is absolutely right.

        Reply
        • Gwynning

          1 year ago

          Semantics, Cam. You provided detailed data, and thank you for that. The raw, one-look data suggests Maple is still 9% better than an average Major Leaguer. Hence, “not done” but he’s asking for the check, so, he says he’s done. No argument to win either way, just keepin’ it real outside of perception and opinion. Cheers Cam!

          3
          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          1 year ago

          I’m a little surprised. With such a small sample size, I can find data points to support anything. But he had a 20/12 K/W in his final 24.2 IPs. Certainly nothing special, but the case could be made that there are worst pitchers in the league..

          My guess is that he didn’t want to sign for $1-2M after having earned $55M.

          Reply
    • fuckmods

      1 year ago

      A lot of serviceable or better players hitting 10 years of service time and retiring this year

      2
      Reply
      • Gwynning

        1 year ago

        Fletch- Kiermaier and …? I’m drawing blanks here. Did Kershaw announce something?

        3
        Reply
        • Gwynning

          1 year ago

          Duh, Votto. I’m dum.

          1
          Reply
        • DodgersBro

          1 year ago

          RE Gwynn

          Votto has 16 years of service time

          2
          Reply
        • fuckmods

          1 year ago

          Gwynn:

          Kiermaier, Pillar, and Paxton

          Seems like the $4M or so they’d get in free agency isn’t enough to compel them to keep doing this into their late 30s

          1
          Reply
        • Kash Considerations

          1 year ago

          Lol at somebody not understanding ERA+

          2
          Reply
        • Kash Considerations

          1 year ago

          Correct sir, your takes are quite funny!

          2
          Reply
      • Blue Baron

        1 year ago

        FletcherFan: Likely no more this year than any other year.

        1
        Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          FletcherFoolForever: How about you, Einstein?

          Your statement about this year being unique isn’t substantiated either, and it’s no less dumb. But WTF, why not act like a pot and call a kettle black?

          I have no idea why I would ever visit a hellhole like Temecula, but what’s to be afraid of, tough guy?

          Seriously, you have your entire life to be a jerk. Give yourself a break and take today off.

          2
          Reply
        • DodgersBro

          1 year ago

          Re FF and BB

          This is why we all learned, well, were taught, in middle school to provide support for our assertions

          Too bad so many are operating below that level

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          Fletcher: If you’re talking to me, I’ve got years until I hit 70.

          Not that you have any reason to worry about my age, although you seem to have issues with hostility toward people you’ve never met.

          But this is a good teaching moment for you to learn that it’s better to keep your mouth shut and give the impression that you’re an ignorant doofus than to open it and remove all doubt.

          4
          Reply
        • Silas

          1 year ago

          BB as boring as they come. ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzz

          Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      1 year ago

      Would help if he’d announce when the next home run ball was ready to take a leap off the bat

      5
      Reply
    • DodgersBro

      1 year ago

      Someone below says

      “Raw data doesn’t suggest “he’s looked done.””

      Career K%: 25.3
      2024 K%: 16.7

      Career BB%: 7.9
      2024 BB%: 11.4

      The raw data certainly suggests a massive decline.

      ERA- of 108 in 2024 is passable
      FIP- of 116 is back of the rotation
      xFIP- of 128 is AAAA

      Most of his starcast metrics are in the 10th to 20th percentile

      One year doesn’t a career make, and it’s certainly possible that Paxton could comeback and try again. Without injuries he might be able to improve on this year’s raw data.

      His body was capable of performing at an elite level for about a decade. Seems it no longer is

      7
      Reply
  2. bigdaddyt

    1 year ago

    Guys still got the stuff but all the injuries have taken the fight outta the poor guy. I get it take the career earnings and have a cool retirement

    6
    Reply
    • A'sfaninLondonUK

      1 year ago

      @bigdaddyt

      Yeah – pretty sure no-one really fancied facing him at his peak. He was very very good.

      Got to add cheekily, the A’s won the game 3-2 after his 16Ks, when the bullpen blew it. Would have loved to be in the lockers after that one…

      1
      Reply
  3. User 4245925809

    1 year ago

    Think Paxton was one of M’s announcer David Simm’s favorites. He loved it when Paxton, when healthy would be out there.. Sitting upper 90’s, then breaking off those beautiful benders of his and freezing guys up. He just couldn’t stay healthy when young. Shame, cause paxton had it all.

    7
    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      1 year ago

      He would’ve gotten cy young votes if he stayed healthy, his strikeouts were so entertaining

      I’m still so sad how 2021 played out for him I wish I could’ve seen him in a m’s uni one last time

      7
      Reply
      • Blue Baron

        1 year ago

        mariners fan: Lots of pitchers would’ve received Cy Young votes if they stayed healthy and/or performed better. Paxton can join the unremarkable club.

        1
        Reply
        • Jackson Rubbit

          1 year ago

          What a enlightened comment and unremarkable in its depth. How long to type with one finger?

          2
          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          Teacher: Remember when I asked for your opinion? Me neither.

          2
          Reply
        • Silas

          1 year ago

          Teacher says “Stand in the corner BB dummy”…

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          Silas says “Look at me, I’m a troll!”

          1
          Reply
        • Silas

          1 year ago

          lol says the Troll

          Reply
    • Hawktattoo

      1 year ago

      Good memories of listening to those games.

      2
      Reply
    • proton

      1 year ago

      Sad to see him go out this way. Would be nice if he signed a 1 day contract to retire a Mariner. The thing that would make that day even greater if Simms announced his retirement too. Most fans I know want him gone. The guy is good at football but too much time for his nonsensical story’s. He could go out with one of his favorite players and make a bunch of fans happy.

      1
      Reply
      • Blue Baron

        1 year ago

        proton: Those one-day contracts are meaningless.

        People remember the last team a guy played for, not the team he ceremonially “retired” with.

        1
        Reply
        • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

          1 year ago

          Mr. Baron you don’t need to be so pessimistic

          Be a glass half full guy!

          8
          Reply
        • GASoxFan

          1 year ago

          The one day contracts aren’t completely meaningless.

          It’s a nice feel-good gesture of goodwill between a player, his favorite team to play for, and the fanbase they annoyed playing for.

          Doesn’t ever affect any respective retired numbers or halls of fame for any player, true, but it’s not completely useless

          3
          Reply
        • Jackson Rubbit

          1 year ago

          Meaningless to you because you are just turned 9 and no one has retired since you have been following the game.

          1
          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          Teacher: You’re off by several decades, and it’s likely that I have been following the game since before you were born.

          But seriously, you have your entire life to be a dipstick. Give yourself a break and take today off.

          1
          Reply
        • proton

          1 year ago

          Baron ask the Rangers how meaningless it was when Boomstick signed a one day contract to retire a Mariner. Do they still sell that Hotdog in the new stadium? Looked good but man that was a meal for three.

          It is also a thanks to the fans for their loyalty and support. It also makes you feel good when they do it. One thing I enjoy are the players from multiple sports that either stay here or keep a home here after they retire and/or leave for another team. Too many people are down on the weather but for many of us we like it. We are the evergreen state because of the rain. I digress it shows a respect for fans. You can believe what you wish but most fans like it.

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          proton: Maybe you like it, and that’s great, but I believe most fans really don’t care.

          Reply
  4. Mynameisnoname

    1 year ago

    You know he was talented and a hard worker as he always drew a litany of interest during FA periods, despite his obvious medical concerns.

    Also a testament to suggesting to your kid to try and throw left handed. One or two good years and the well will never run completely dry.

    5
    Reply
  5. sad tormented neglected mariners fan

    1 year ago

    Noooo one of my favorite pitchers

    3
    Reply
  6. FrankRoo

    1 year ago

    Professional sports is a strange career where you can comfortably retire so young. Even marginally successful players can retire young with millions.

    1
    Reply
    • AlBundysFanClubPresident

      1 year ago

      For a number of them, yes. For the guys who weren’t stars, many retired and pursued another career more out of necessity than something to pass the time (or, stay relevant, as it seems some are doing by getting media gigs).

      Even some who did make millions have to work still, because too much of their money was wasted in one way or another.

      Reply
    • Blue Baron

      1 year ago

      FrankRoo: Of course they can, and deservedly so, because very few players even make it to MLB for a day.

      Reply
      • Jackson Rubbit

        1 year ago

        Wrong Boo boring.

        1
        Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          I still don’t remember when I asked for your opinion, troll.

          Reply
  7. Crash_n_burn

    1 year ago

    With 11 years in the books he can retire with a full MLB pension and a gold card, so while I’m sure he is sad to retire but we all get it with all the injuries he had best of luck to him in his new life.

    1
    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      1 year ago

      I had a Gold card once. Wonder where it went

      Reply
      • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

        1 year ago

        Check the wife’s $500 handbag

        8
        Reply
        • goob

          1 year ago

          Stop that. Please don’t make me laugh at a sexist-cliche joke.

          Reply
  8. ShootyBabbit

    1 year ago

    Anthony Rendon:”what’s Paxton problem, man-keep grabbing those checks!”

    2
    Reply
    • Blue Baron

      1 year ago

      ShootyBabbit: Every player who gets injured doing his job and fulfilling his contract deserves to be paid.

      1
      Reply
      • Tigers3232

        1 year ago

        foxsports.com/mlb/anthony-rendon-player-injuries

        The issue with Rendon is most of his I juries are superficial. He’s not had a bunch of injuries that can be conclusively diagnosed like fractures, tears, ruptures, etc. Most of his have been strains, pulls, discomfort,etc.

        I tried giving Rendon benefit of doubt. Thought his comments about not enjoying watching baseball had no bearing on his love of plating the sport. Now I’m starting to 2nd guess and wonder if he has possibly lost love for the game. He could ve just lost motivation to train and be prepared to be a professional athlete.

        I’m just not buying that majority of these injuries have kept him off the field. Buxton seems to have same type of injuries, but when he plays you can see the energy an effort he puts forth. So for him I question if he’s maybe a bit soft or possibly just entitled and the least bit of pain becomes center stage and about him. Just don’t get that vibe watching Rendon play, he looks lethargic and effort is lackluster.

        1
        Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          Tigers3232: To say nothing of being legally under guaranteed contract with the Angels.

          Unless you are a medical professional privy to first hand information, you are in no position to judge any player’s injuries.

          If any of what you said was true, the Angels would have attempted to get out of paying the player.

          1
          Reply
        • Tigers3232

          1 year ago

          I’m well aware he’s under a fully guaranteed contract with the Angels. I fid not even mention anything about his contract.

          As for his injuries, I did not say anything definitively or act as though I have been privy to any such type of information.

          I did point out the fact the majority of his injuries have been superficial types. The types that are more often than not guessed based off of symptoms as they can be detected with certainty with any type of injury, whereas injuries such as fractures or ruptures can be detected with certainty.

          As for the Angels trying to get put of the contract, they very well could know any attempt would ve in vain. The very act of building and strengthing muscles which occurs during physical activity is the tearing and repairing of muscle fibers. Which in reality is very similar to strains, pulls, discomfort etc.

          What can be said definitively and is 100% true, his injuries have almost been the type that can not be imaged or diagnosed with certainty. And it’s hard to dispute that at an absolute minimum it looks an awful lot like a clear pattern at this point. He also has does not play in a way where anyone would mistake him for having even a fraction of Rose’s hustle.

          2
          Reply
        • Jackson Rubbit

          1 year ago

          Wrong

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          Teacher: Ah, the troll finally admits it. Good for you realizing that you’re wrong.

          1
          Reply
        • proton

          1 year ago

          Baron thanks for the groundbreaking news that Rendons contract is fully guaranteed. Since all MLB contracts are guaranteed.

          I don’t follow the Rendon fiasco that close since he doesn’t play but a portion of the season. I did want to ask Angel fans if he is going to need a break soon. He has played a lot of games in a row for him must be getting tired. What about 2 months straight not on IR? Close to a record for the Angels.

          1
          Reply
        • Tigers3232

          1 year ago

          @proton I’m kind of amazed to see anyone give Rendon the benefit of the doubt at this point. I did at the beginning but as it continued and a clear pattern seems to have emerged I just can’t do it. If these “injuries” had been broken bones, ruptured tendons, torn ACL’s, etc it would be a different story. But when every other injury is a strained labia it gets a bit ridiculous

          Reply
  9. goob

    1 year ago

    Body says no mas. Good guy and a gamer.

    7
    Reply
  10. Dumpster Divin Theo

    1 year ago

    Thanks for sharing so they can do a farewell tour.

    Reply
  11. Tom the ray fan

    1 year ago

    Off to retire to the wonderful Sunnyvale trailer park.

    1
    Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      1 year ago

      He makes too much money for that place.

      Reply
      • Tom the ray fan

        1 year ago

        Idk heard Ricky and Julian really turned it around

        4
        Reply
    • proton

      1 year ago

      Victoria BC doesn’t have a trailer park. That place is too upscale for that. If you have never been make it a destination. Beautiful rose garden cool old buildings from the British days. Water Taxis were fun. Cheap way to take a tour of the bay.

      3
      Reply
  12. Hawktattoo

    1 year ago

    Who can forget the Eagle landing on him. Crazy baseball moment.

    4
    Reply
    • punkfish

      1 year ago

      …and especially how calm & cool Paxton looked with that large bird flapping around, trying to keep its grip on him. At the time I thought ‘now that’s one cool mother—-er’ – while at the same time being weirdly proud that he was a Canadian…

      1
      Reply
      • Hawktattoo

        1 year ago

        It was a crazy moment. When your Canadian Blue Jays play in. Seattle it is amazing how many make the trip down from BC. Good fans!

        Reply
  13. DodgersBro

    1 year ago

    “he was worth 19 WAR at FanGraphs. B-Ref calculates his earnings at nearly $50MM”

    And FG calculates the value of his production at $153 million.

    2
    Reply
  14. CravenMoorehead

    1 year ago

    Yeah he had health issues but he made over $50 million in his career, threw a no-hitter in his home country and is retiring with a career ERA under 4.00. Pretty decent career. Best of luck to him in the future to Big Maple.

    7
    Reply
  15. Edp007

    1 year ago

    Slam dunk HOFer , St. Marys

    Reply
  16. LordD99

    1 year ago

    Looks like it’s time for James to paxton it up and head on out.

    4
    Reply
  17. Rsox

    1 year ago

    Good for him. Sort of retiring on his own terms rather than continuing to try and grind through. A decent if not unremarkable Career, but he does have a No-Hitter so there’s that

    2
    Reply
    • LordD99

      1 year ago

      In some ways his career is more remarkable than unremarkable, but I get your meaning. We all knew the talent and realize there could have been so much more without the injuries. I’d simply say he had a good career. A first-round draft pick, made close to $50MM, achieved a full MLB pension as he crossed over 10 years service time this season. After the Mariners, suited up for the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers, three of three games most historic organizations. His 110 ERA+ and 3.60 FIP are very good. He had a 200K season, and even has some black ink, once leading the league in the now-meaningless CG and shutout categories. Toss in a no-hitter, and Big Maple will have a lifetime of stories to tell the grandkids, including once being “attacked” by an eagle on the field. : -). Seriously, he probably is in the top 10% of anyone who has ever been good enough to play MLB, which unto itself is remarkable.

      5
      Reply
      • BaseballisLife

        1 year ago

        That’s a great take on his career LordD99.

        2
        Reply
  18. Datashark

    1 year ago

    Will just make the 10 year service time. I am sure that played a part in decision, cause if he was short he might stuck it out some more

    Reply
  19. greg1

    1 year ago

    Good for him. He’s been a solid to above average pitcher when healthy, and while the August injury sucks, he pitched well this year. Let’s him walk away with his head held high instead of being “retired” by 30 MLB teams that happens to a lot of guys.

    Reply
  20. Pedro Martinez’s Mango Tree

    1 year ago

    Don’t be so hasty, James. I’m sure Bloom… I mean Breslow… will offer you 20 mil for next season.

    2
    Reply
  21. nonchalanto

    1 year ago

    Thanks Big Maple.

    5
    Reply
  22. Acoss1331

    1 year ago

    Could have had a really great and long career, but the injuries just piled on. If it’s the end, then he had a great career!

    1
    Reply
  23. proton

    1 year ago

    Wonder if he thought about BP work. Not as many innings could take care of himself. Has great stuff could be dominate from the pen. Seattle talk to him about it. Imagine him Brash and Munoz as the 7 8 9 inning guys.

    2
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      1 year ago

      Doubt it. He doesn’t have a single relief appearance.

      Reply
    • Blue Baron

      1 year ago

      proton: It could be the travel and time away from, which has to be a real grind, and he’s ready to get out, period.

      Reply
      • mlb fan

        1 year ago

        “A real grind”..No doubt about that Blue. Just keeping your energy level up with all the Major League travel has to be totally exhausting. Well, at least they get first class accommodations and travel.

        1
        Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          A couple of weeks ago, I sat next to Keith Hernandez on a flight from Phoenix, where the Mets had just played the Dbacks, to JFK.

          I asked him why he wasn’t going on to Chicago for the team’s White Sox series, and he explained that Ron Darling was doing that series and that he does 110 games a year, and that he wasn’t going to “do this forever” because of the travel.

          Hernandez is pushing 71, so I don’t blame him for feeling that way.

          2
          Reply
        • Rsox

          1 year ago

          I kind of wonder if there are any broadcast teams that do everyone of their team’s games anymore. Dave O’Brien does the majority of Sox games but Mike Monaco does a handful of games each year and they rotate between Kevin Youkilis, Lou Merloni and Will Middlebrooks (with the occasional, and hilarious guest appearances by Kevin Millar) on color commentary. I guess with having almost every game televised broadcasting is almost as much of a grind as playing these days

          1
          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          1 year ago

          There’s really no need for that.

          Gone are the days when, for example, from 1962-1978 Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, and Lindsey Nelson did every Mets game on both radio and TV, switching between the media during each game.

          Reply
      • Jackson Rubbit

        1 year ago

        Injuries knucklehead.

        Reply
  24. toycannon

    1 year ago

    I would like to see Big Maple sign a one day contract and retire a Mariner.

    Reply
    • Ketch

      1 year ago

      He tried, but he dislocated his shoulder signing his name and Seattle pulled out of the deal…

      3
      Reply
  25. VegasSDfan

    1 year ago

    I wouldnt go out like that, but thats me. I would throw one more game, or relief appearance next year and retire on my terms

    Reply
  26. dasit

    1 year ago

    a company that focuses on the mental
    health of athletes is interesting to me (despite no details yet). best of luck to him

    3
    Reply
  27. bigbatflip

    1 year ago

    So much unfulfilled promise, it’s a shame he couldn’t stay healthy. His agent earned every penny. An oft injured pitched managed to make nearly $55M in his career, amazing.

    2
    Reply
  28. whyhayzee

    1 year ago

    I’ll take his five shutout innings of World Series game 4 as the Red Sox complete the sweep.

    Reply
  29. Old York

    1 year ago

    808th best starting pitcher in the history of the game.

    RIR (Rest In Retirement).

    1
    Reply
    • Gwynning

      1 year ago

      I would argue he’s #807, but your point stands.

      Reply
  30. highflyballintorightfield

    1 year ago

    Now he has a chance to pursue his true passion: training eagles!

    1
    Reply
  31. Melchez17

    1 year ago

    Hall of Fame BABY!!!!

    Reply
  32. ArianaGrandSlam

    1 year ago

    Athletes with mental issues?

    Reply
  33. ManfredIsAJoke

    1 year ago

    He must have lost his love for baseball after his father the Dodgers cut him, at least he’ll get some jewelry from the tainted World Series ring they’ll win.

    Reply
  34. Ketch

    1 year ago

    What? So how’s he going to get injured now?

    1
    Reply
    • Gwynning

      1 year ago

      Playing Wiffle with the backyard tykes

      Reply
  35. rightwingrick

    1 year ago

    James would be a great left-handed addition to the Mariner bullpen, to end his career in 2025 with the franchise he started in 2010. The bullpen role would limit his innings and reduce chances of recurring injury, and maybe enhance his stuff for one final round. Come on, Seattle, give him a call !!! Potentially a great addition if he’s open to one more year, in a bullpen role, housed in Seattle near his native Canada.

    Reply
  36. Nobby

    1 year ago

    Maybe Paxton can talk Story into hanging up his spikes. Think of the money saved. It could be a down payment on Juan Soto.

    1
    Reply

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