The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Paxton thrilled to join team, excited about the pressure
TAMPA, Fla. — James Paxton was a significant part of the Mariners’ “everyone must go” offseason, and he had nothing bad to say about the organization he came up with. But the left-hander used the word “excited” multiple times in describing his thoughts on joining a team whose 2019 goals and expectations could not be more different than Seattle’s.
“I feel like playing with the Yankees you’re expected to win,” Paxton said Thursday after a workout at their minor-league complex, where he’s been a frequent presence. “It’s kind of World Series or bust for Yankees fans, and I’m excited about having that pressure and just being on a team so committed to winning.”
The Yankees acquired Paxton Nov. 19 in exchange for left-hander Justus Sheffield, one of their top pitching prospects, right-handed prospect Erik Swanon and minor-league outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams. Paxton, 30, was 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 28 starts last season, when he threw a no-hitter May 8 at Toronto. He struck out 208 in 160 1⁄3 innings, posting eight starts with at least 10 strikeouts, tied for sixth in MLB.
“I think there’s an upside there,” pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. “He certainly has the ability and he’s shown that. It’s a matter of one, staying healthy, and just the consistency. He’s got a chance to really make a nice addition to the staff.”
Paxton can’t wait to join a rotation that includes Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ and CC Sabathia.
“I think we’re going to be really good,” said Paxton, who played long toss Thursday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen to Gary Sanchez on Friday. “I played catch with Severino my first day out. Man, the ball jumps out of his hand something special. He’s a different animal. J.A. Happ, I played with him in Seattle (in 2015), he’s going to be awesome. Tanaka’s always nasty and then you’ve got CC, who’s just a salty vet who knows exactly what he’s doing out there. I’m really looking forward to learning from him. I’ve watched him throughout my career trying to learn from what he does. I’m excited to meet him in person.”
Paxton is also bullish — as is just about everyone — on the Yankees’ bullpen, which features Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, Zack Britton, Chad Green and Adam Ottavino.
“It’s going to be awesome,” Paxton said. “So talented out there. We have so many guys who have closer stuff. It’s going to feel really good handing the ball over to those guys.”
Not surprisingly, Paxton was equally enthused about not having to challenge the Yankees’ offense anymore. He faced it twice — both times last season — and took the loss twice, allowing eight runs in 11 innings.
“I’m excited not to have to face some of those guys again,” he said with a smile. “We’ve got some talented guys on this team, and I’m looking forward to being on the same team. Think we’re going to score a lot of runs.”