Pitcher James Paxton is returning to the Seattle Mariners.
According to his longtime friend Chad Dey, the towering lefty from Ladner has signed a free agent deal with the Mariners for the coming season. The one-year deal is reportedly worth $8.5 million (US).
Paxton spent six seasons in Seattle before being traded to the New York Yankees in 2018. This was the 32-year-old’s first time as an unrestricted free agent.
The Delta Secondary graduate enjoyed a productive run in Seattle and a loyal following too with the dedicated “Maple Grove” outfield section created for his home starts, reflecting his “Big Maple” nickname.
His time in Seattle was highlighted by a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays in May 2018. He compiled a 23-11 record over the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Ms.
Paxton is coming off an injury plagued shortened season with the Yankees that saw him go 1-1 with a 6.64 ERA in 20.1 innings. That came after going 15-6 in 2019.
