MLB rumors: Could Mets steal James Paxton from Yankees in free agency?
James Paxton should be healthy and good to go when the 2020 season finally begins.
That means a push for big dollars in free agency next winter will commence, and it could take Paxton away from the Yankees.
But don’t count out a longer stay in New York.
In an answer about a potential dream Mets team for the future, New York Post scribe Mike Puma connected the dots to Paxton signing in Queens.
Arenado becomes the Mets third baseman, rounding out an infield that includes Pete Alonso at first, Jeff McNeil at second and Amed Rosario at shortstop. Robinson Cano is now sharing DH duties with J.D. Davis, who still plays left field on a part-time basis. But the primary left fielder is Michael Brantley, with Ronny Mauricio in center and Michael Conforto in right. In J.T. Realmuto, the Mets finally have the star catcher they have craved since Mike Piazza’s departure. The rotation includes James Paxton pitching behind Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, who agreed to a new contract before reaching free agency.
That is a heck of a team, and quite the top of the rotation.
Paxton, 31, went 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA in 29 starts with the Yankees last season. Since entering the majors in 2013, Paxton owns a 3.50 ERA, 3.28 FIP and 3.60 strikeout-to-walk ratio. That run includes an eye-opening 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings mark over the last three seasons.
source: nj.com
