The New York Yankees have made a major move to bolster their starting rotation after their ace, Gerrit Cole, suffered a concerning injury during spring training. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman wasted no time and landed a jaw-dropping deal to reunite with former $90 million pitcher, James Paxton, in hopes of stabilizing the rotation ahead of the new season.
Cole, who is the cornerstone of the Yankees’ rotation, sustained a mild elbow strain during a recent bullpen session. Though initial reports suggest that the injury is not season-ending, the uncertainty around Cole’s return pushed Cashman to act swiftly. According to sources close to the team, the Yankees were already exploring pitching options in the offseason but the urgency grew after Cole’s injury news.
James Paxton, the 36-year-old left-hander who previously spent time with the Yankees from 2019-2020, is set to return to the Bronx after finalizing a two-year, $90 million deal. Paxton had a successful 2024 campaign with the Seattle Mariners, where he posted a 3.24 ERA and struck out 180 batters in 170 innings. His ability to command games in high-pressure situations makes him a strong addition to the Yankees, especially with Cole’s status uncertain.
“Bringing back Paxton is huge for us,” Cashman said in a press conference following the announcement. “He knows what it’s like to pitch in New York and perform under the bright lights. With Gerrit’s situation, we knew we needed an arm that could handle that type of pressure.”
Paxton, nicknamed “Big Maple,” expressed his excitement about returning to the Yankees, stating, “New York feels like home. I’ve got unfinished business here, and I’m ready to compete for a championship.”
With Paxton in the mix and the hope that Cole will recover quickly, the Yankees now have a reinforced rotation that can keep them competitive in the highly-competitive AL East.
Leave a Reply