B.C. PITCHER PAXTON A YANKEE
Left-hander James Paxton was acquired by the Yankees from the Seattle Mariners for a trio of prospects Monday, bolstering the thin starting rotation that contributed to New York’s loss to Boston in the AL Division Series. New York sent left-hander Justus Sheffield to the Mariners along with righthander Erik Swanson and outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams. Paxton turned 30 on Nov. 6 and went 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 28 starts last season, including a no-hitter at Toronto on May 8. Paxton, a proud Canadian born in Delta, B.C., joins a rotation projected to include right-handers Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka and left-hander CC Sabathia. Paxton made US$4.9 million last season and is eligible for salary arbitration. He can become a free agent after the 2020 season. Sheffield is rated among the top minor league prospects.