Just like recently, this morning, I was concerned that the Mariners were done making big strides, or that nothing they were doing off-season would help the 2021 team approach respectability.
However, on this snowy Saturday, those fears were quickly allayed with a few tweets:
Left-handed James Paxton and the Seattle Mariners agree on a one-year deal for $ 8.5 million. Has some achievable bonuses that can bring it up to $ 10 million.
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 14, 2021
James Paxton was drafted by the Mariners in 2010, of course. (If you’re reading this I probably don’t need to tell you this, but admit it – this is the most exciting thing we’ve written in months.) He was part of the Mariners’ touted BIg Three, and he excelled in six seasons with the M’s.
His most famous moment, of course, was his no-hitter in Toronto in May 2018. He hasn’t reached similar heights since then, with a solid 2019 campaign for the Yankees (3.5 fWAR, 3.86 FIP) before only four starts in 2020. and free agency hit without qualifying offer.
Considering the injuries Big Maple faced last season – I’m not sure about you, but I don’t like the words ‘spine surgery’ being used – and rumors that his speed has been slow during off-season training sessions have been there is clearly long-term health and competence. Therefore, it was likely in the interests of both parties to agree to a one-year deal: Paxton could achieve another free agency in the winter of 2021 with a great season to his credit, while the Mariners are relatively isolated from the long run . risk.
Paxton also plans to add a veteran presence to a relatively inexperienced rotation in Seattle, and if he does, there’s every reason to imagine the Mariners bringing him back in 2022 and beyond. His deal compares favorably with that of Jake Arrieta, a fellow ace who struggled with injuries and, well, wasn’t very good in recent years. Arrieta returned to the Cubs earlier today for a guaranteed $ 6 million, while Paxton was able to bring in $ 8.5 million.
Having said all that, it’s great to have the Big Maple in teal and blue again, and this feels like a great way to elevate the Mariners 2021’s floor while bringing back a fan favorite. When Pax struggles, it’s not a skin off the Mariners’ noses as they were already scheduled to be among the lowest payrolls in MLB. But if he excels, they’ve gotten the upper hand to bolster the team, as Jerry Dipoto is aiming for 2022 and beyond.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t say this is the return of the Maple GroveMaybe we can figure out how to celebrate Paxton’s start even if no fans are allowed in the stadium, or maybe we can all agree to eat maple bars every sixth day. Paxton formed a special bond with all the Mariners fans during his six-season run in Seattle, but especially with the Grove, which he welcomed with open arms … and yes, maple bars.
Whatever happens, I can’t wait to root for my favorite Canadian Mariner in 2021, and can’t wait to hear Stick Rizzs sing “um, um, um” again this year. Welcome back, Pax. Welcome back.