Every Single 2020 Free Agent the Blue Jays could be Interested in

James Paxton

If James Paxton were to sign with the Blue Jays, it would consist of a homecoming of sorts, as the lefty is a Canadian who hails from Ladner, British Columbia.

Paxton knows how passionate Blue Jays fans are about their team. When he was on the Mariners from 2013-2018 and the Blue Jays were in town to play them, fans from British Columbia would often flock T-Mobile Park (formerly Safeco Field) and fill the seats to see their beloved team play as Seattle is close.

The Canadian also threw a no-hitter on the Rogers Centre turf in 2018, in which he became the first player from Canada to not give up a hit in a full start since 1945.

He since got traded to the Yankees where he’s spent the past two seasons. His first season in pinstripes went well as in 29 starts, he went 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA with 186 strikeouts over 138 hits given up in 150.2 innings.

The shortened 2020 season didn’t go as Paxton would have liked in his contract year. He was limited to only five starts due to a flexor strain posting a 6.64 ERA with an opponent average of .284.

His career numbers how that when he’s healthy, he’s a front of the rotation type starter. He’s 57-33 with a 3.58 ERA with 829 strikeouts and 684 hits given up over 753.1 innings pitched.

If Paxton can put his injuries behind him, he would be a solid addition to the Blue Jays rotation. That is a big if though.