Steve Webb
BOSTON, MA — So long, Big Maple. Former Dodgers pitcher James Paxton announced his decision to retire from professional baseball following the 2024 season in an interview with Rob Bradford on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. The 35-year-old left-hander, now under contract with the Boston Red Sox, has been sidelined since August 23 due to a partially torn right calf and is not expected to return before the season ends.
Reflecting on his decision, Paxton explained, “I think I can still compete and help a team win, but my family needs me right now. I feel a duty to be home with them, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.”
Paxton’s career spanned 11 MLB seasons with four teams, where he compiled a 73-41 record and a 3.77 ERA in 177 starts. While he showed great potential, injuries often hindered his career. One of his standout moments came in 2018 when he threw a 99-pitch no-hitter against the Blue Jays while playing for Seattle.
Paxton began the 2024 season with the Dodgers before being traded to the Red Sox, where he had previously pitched in 2023. Paxton’s record with the Dodgers was solid, if unremarkable. He made 18 starts with the club, and looked good at times, compiling a record of 8-3. But eventually, the earned runs started to pile up on him during the summer. At the end of May, Paxton’s ERA sat at 3.29 but steadily climbed in June and July until it sat at 4.43 on July 21, his last start with the team. He was designated for assignment the next day, and then traded to Boston for infielder Moises Bolivar.
Paxton leaves baseball having had some solid years. Next stop, Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame!
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