MLB: Blockbuster! First Big Name for New York

The New York Yankees have secured the services of Starting Pitcher James Paxton. The lefty comes to the Bronx via trade from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for three prospects.

The Offseason 2018/19 has its first major movement on the transfer market! The Yankees send the first fog candle and get one of the best starters on the market to boost their recent weak starting rotation.

In return, the Mariners get the top pitching prospect of the Yankees, left-handed Justus Sheffield, who was the first to get a taste of Major League air towards the end of the season. Also in the package are Outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams and right-hander Erik Swanson.

Paxton, who has spent his entire career in Seattle so far, was 11-6 in 2018 with a 3.76 ERA in 28 starts. He also scored 208 strikeouts (9th place in the American League) and threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays in May.

“I couldn’t be more enthusiastic,” said Paxton on Monday. “There will be a fantastic chance for me to win in New York, which will be just like I always expected – just like I did. I’m looking forward to being part of a fantastic team.”

Paxton earned $4.9 million in the pre-season, enters its second arbitration season in 2019 and will become a Free Agent after 2020.

This article was published without prior review by Major League Baseball.