James Paxton’s Contracts Aren’t Simply Eye-catching

The Boston Red Sox signed James Paxton for one team, but it turned out that contract had a little extra incentive.

Paxton will be a risk if there is a lot of money backing his contract, but luckily from the perspective of the Red Sox, the left-handed player will have to make money.

The $10 million one-year contract was first reported to be a bit misleading. Turns out, if Paxton never threw for the Red Sox, he will only get 6 million dollars… but yes much more to earn.

Scott Boras, Paxton’s agent, said: “The contract is over. “He will have to show persistence for that to happen. He does it with the idea that he has an assessment of his worth without throwing [the $6 million salary for 2023]. Now if he goes out and throws well and he’s durable, judge that [of what he’s worth] will go up no problem. As for the player, in his heart he knows, ‘It’s important for me not to go out and throw all these innings. The key for me is to throw optimally, efficiently and sanely, so I can do one of two things – stay here for two years or go somewhere else. ‘ I don’t want the club to say, ‘I can keep a guy for another year without a major commitment.’

Red Sox: How much can James Paxton make in Boston?

Paxton could make as much as two years and $26 million more, depending on whether he can stay healthy with the Red Sox. Boston has the option of instigating a one- or two-year option, depending on how much they trust Paxton to stay healthy and fit in the middle of their starting rotation.

Although he started just six games in the previous two seasons combined in New York and Seattle, Paxton is the same pitcher who won 15-6 with the Yankees in 2019. Assuming he can find anywhere close to that kind of production, his contract could be stealing for the Red Sox.