Dodgers Nearing Deal with Left-Handed Pitcher James Paxton

The one-year contract, estimated around $12 million, adds to the Dodgers' active offseason and could push them to the top of the payroll leaderboard.

Veteran left-handed pitcher James Paxton is nearing a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a one-year contract in the $12-million range being discussed.
Paxton's 2023 season with the Boston Red Sox ended early due to right knee inflammation, but he made 19 starts and posted a 4.50 ERA with 101 strikeouts in 96 innings.
The Dodgers have been active this offseason, signing top-tier free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto, trading for Tyler Glasnow, and signing two-way star Shohei Ohtani.
Paxton's deal would likely move the Dodgers ahead of the Mets to the top of the payroll leaderboard for Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) purposes.
The Dodgers' rotation for the 2024 season is expected to be formidable, even without Ohtani, who is not expected to be able to pitch in 2024 after undergoing elbow surgery.