The Red Sox are looking a bit outside the box when it comes to filling in their starting rotation.
According to multiple reports, the Sox have locked up former Yankees starter James Paxton to a one-year deal with club options that cover the 2023 and 2024 seasons. There is $10 million guaranteed for 2022.
Sportsnet was first with the news that the Red Sox had come to an agreement with the Scott Boras client.
The 33-year-old Paxton is coming off two lost years, having made just five starts with the Yankees in 2021 before succumbing to Tommy John surgery after just one appearance with the Mariners last season.
The surgery on his left pitching arm was the second Tommy John surgery of his career.
Between 2017-19 Paxton was one of the best starter in the American League, having spent the first six seasons of his big league career with Seattle before being dealt to New York heading into the 2019 season.
In that first season with the Yankees - who allocated top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield to get the southpaw - Paxton went 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA.
The acquisition is viewed as a long-term plan for the Red Sox, with Paxton not likely ready for major league duty until midseason. His surgery, which took place in April, usually necessitates a 12-14-month recovery.