Houston Astros: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid

As the Astros explore the starting pitcher market, there’s one name they should avoid, and that’s James Paxton.

The New York Yankees acquired the left-hander in a huge trade with the Seattle Mariners back in 2018, with the hopes of having a strong enough rotation to stand a chance against Houston. Paxton’s first season in the Bronx was relatively solid, as he posted a 3.82 ERA, while striking out 186 batters over 150.2 innings of work. The Yankees expected Paxton to have a repeat performance in 2020, but it never happened.

This past February, Paxton had to undergo a microscopic lumbar discectomy to remove a peridiscal cyst, which was set to sideline him for three-to-four months. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Paxton was able to return for the delayed start of the season in July, but he struggled mightily. In five games, the “Big Maple” recorded a 6.64 ERA, while surrendering 23 hits in 20.1 innings of work. Paxton would hit the season-ending injured list due to a left forearm flexor strain.

If the Astros were to lose out on the top pitchers in free agency, it’s simply not worth the risk of signing Paxton to a prove it deal. Just saying.