This morning, I was worried that the Mariners were making big moves, or that nothing they did in the off-season would help the 2021 team approach respect.
On this snowy Saturday, however, the fear quickly subsided with a few tweets:
Left-handers James Paxton and the Seattle Mariners agree on a $ 8.5 million one-year deal. Has some achievable bonuses that can increase it to $ 10 million.
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) 14 February 2021
James Paxton was, of course, drafted by the Mariners in 2010. (If you are reading this, I probably do not have to tell you, but enjoy it – this is the most exciting thing we have ever written in. He was part of the Mariners’ leading BIg Three, and he excelled with the Ms for six seasons.
His most notable moment, of course, was his no-hitter in Toronto in May 2018. He has not reached similar heights since, with a solid 2019 campaign for the Yankees (3.5 fWAR, 3.86 FIP) before just four in 2020 and free agency without qualifying offer.
Given the injuries Big Maple faced last season – not sure about you, but I do not like the words “spinal surgery” – and rumors that his speed has slowed during the off-season, there are clear concerns about his long-term health and ability. Therefore, it was probably in the best interest of both parties to agree to a one-year agreement: Paxton could hit a free agency again in the winter of 2021 with a great season, while the Mariners are relatively isolated from the long-term risk.
Paxton also wants to add a veteran presence to a relatively inexperienced rotation in Seattle, and if he succeeds, there is every reason to suggest the Mariners would bring him back in 2022 and beyond. His resemblance can be compared to Jake Arrieta, a fellow who has struggled with injuries and has not been very good in the last few years. Arrieta returned to the Cubs earlier today for $ 6 million guaranteed, while Paxton managed to fetch $ 8.5 million.
All that said, it’s great to have the Big Maple in teal & blue again, and it feels like a great way to elevate the Mariners’ 2021 floor, while also being a favorite for fans. If Pax is struggling, it’s no skin off the Mariners’ noses, as they were already among the lowest salaries in MLB. But if he excelled, they gained the upper hand to strengthen the team, as Jerry Dipoto did in 2022 and beyond.
I would also be sad if I did not mention that this is the return of the Maple grove. Maybe we can figure out how to celebrate Paxton’s start, even if there are no fans in the stadium, or we can all agree to eat maple bars every sixth day. Paxton formed a special bond with all Mariners fans during his six-season run in Seattle, but especially with the Grove, which he welcomed with open arms … and yes, maple bars.
No matter what, I can not wait to practice my favorite Canadian Mariner in 2021, and I can not wait to hear Stick Rizzs sing “eh, eh, eh” again this year. Welcome back, Pax. Welcome back.