Starting pitcher James Paxton #65 of the Boston Red Sox
As the offseason looms, retired pitcher James Paxton has some advice for his former team, the Boston Red Sox: bring in a seasoned veteran. Reflecting on the team’s current makeup, Paxton sees the need for an experienced player who can bolster a young roster and help steer Boston back into World Series contention.
In an appearance on WEEI’s Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast, Paxton outlined why he feels Boston should add a leader with substantial service time. “I think they could use another veteran presence on that team if they want to win a World Series,” he said. “I could see them going out and getting one more big-time player to go out there and, OK, give the players some confidence. ‘We’re going for it. We’re doing it.’”
The 35-year-old, who retired this year after his most recent stint with the Red Sox, pointed to Trevor Story as one of Boston’s current veterans. While Story commands respect in the clubhouse, he’s only played five postseason games—hardly the foundation of an experienced playoff core. Boston’s other long-tenured leaders, like Rafael Devers, Rob Refsnyder, and two veteran relievers in Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin, face uncertain futures with the team. Jansen and Martin, who have both anchored the bullpen, are set to hit free agency, potentially leaving significant gaps in the Red Sox’s leadership core.
With Devers emerging as a key figure since his debut in 2017, Paxton acknowledged his impact but noted Devers’ preference for leading by example rather than being a vocal presence. Refsnyder, another seasoned player, revealed he was contemplating retirement as recently as August, adding to the team’s potential veteran void.
The Red Sox face pivotal decisions this offseason as they seek to balance promising young talent with the kind of experience Paxton says could define their future. With the postseason a firm goal, it remains to be seen if Boston’s front office will heed Paxton’s advice and bring in a player who can rally the team both on and off the field.
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