MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Have Reached Out To This Team

The Red Sox reportedly are looking into a potential reunion as the Major League Baseball trade deadline nears.

James Paxton was designated for assignment for assignment by the Dodgers on Monday, and shortly after the surprising move, a WEEI report claimed there was a “strong likelihood” of Boston showing interest in the left-hander. Sure enough, The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier on Tuesday reported Craig Breslow and company “reached out” to Los Angeles to throw their hat in the ring for Paxton’s services.

Bringing Paxton back to Boston would make a lot of sense for the Red Sox. Since the southpaw already was DFA’d, an interested team likely would only have to pay a modest price to pry the 35-year-old out of Chavez Ravine. It certainly would be a move worth making for the Red Sox, who need starting pitching help and currently don’t feature a lefty in their rotation.

Boston appears to have contingency plans if Paxton lands elsewhere, though. According to Speier, team officials have been in contact with clubs “across the league” as the Red Sox try to improve their pitching, both starting and relief.

Time will tell what moves — if any — Boston makes. But we shouldn’t be surprised if Paxton is back in a Red Sox uniform once the calendar flips to August.