James Paxton, the seasoned MLB pitcher, is reportedly on the verge of ending his baseball career. As the 2024 season progresses, there have been growing discussions about his future in the sport. Here is what James Paxton has to say about his retirement from MLB.
Has James Paxton announced his retirement from MLB?
James Paxton has announced that he will likely retire after the ongoing season.
James Paxton, the accomplished left-handed pitcher, is set to conclude his Major League Baseball career at the end of the 2024 season. Although Paxton still harbors hopes of making a comeback and contributing to the Boston Red Sox’s postseason aspirations, he has confirmed that he plans to retire once the season wraps up.
In an interview on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast with Rob Bradford, Paxton expressed his desire to pitch again this season. He said, “I’m hoping that we can squeak into the postseason and I can get the opportunity to pitch again. But I think after this season [I’m] going to be retiring and moving on to the next chapter.”
Over the years, Paxton has experienced a storied career marked by both achievements and challenges. He began his big-league journey with the Seattle Mariners, showcasing his potential with a standout 2017 season. Following a trade to the New York Yankees, Paxton faced several injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries, which impacted his career trajectory. Despite these setbacks, he made a notable return with the Red Sox in 2023 before another injury in September.
Paxton’s injury issues continued into the 2024 season, with a strained right calf from a recent game ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season. Reflecting on his career and future, Paxton noted that his decision to retire was a gradual process, influenced by his family’s needs and his desire to be home more often.