Dodgers in talks to trade James Paxton to former team ahead of deadline

The Dodgers conceded that they might've made a mistake signing James Paxton when they designated him for assignment on Monday. Although Paxton was a workhorse for LA who, unlike everyone else in the rotation this year, made all of his starts and still carried a sub-4.50 ERA, his outings always gave reason to be concerned, and he clearly wasn't a guy they would be able to depend on in the postseason. The Dodgers are looking to upgrade at the trade deadline and they needed to make room for River Ryan to make his MLB debut, so Paxton got the bump.

Back when they signed Paxton in the offseason, he represented swiping another player from right under the Red Sox's noses, the first being Teoscar Hernández, who notably spurned Boston because he didn't believe their offseason approach reflected a desire to win. The Sox were interested in re-signing Paxton, but he chose the Dodgers to stay closer to home, and there was never any indication that Boston actually made him an offer.

But it seems that Paxton might've always been destined for the Red Sox anyway. Per FanSided insider Robert Murray, the Dodgers are in talks to ship Paxton up to Boston.

Dodgers in talks to send James Paxton back to Boston in first trade deadline move of the year

Paxton has already maxed out the potential performance-based bonuses written into his amended Dodgers contract, so the Red Sox will only be responsible for what's left of his $7 million base salary on the year. That was probably massive incentive for Boston to make this deal at all, as they've certainly painted a picture of themselves as (unnecessary) penny pinchers.

Adding a lefty starter makes sense, too — Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford have been better than anyone expected this year, but Boston's rotation is completely devoid of lefties. Paxton has stayed unexpectedly healthy throughout this season and, as we've said, hasn't been completely disastrous for the Dodgers.

If he can stay healthy, then this is probably a win-win for the Dodgers and Red Sox. The Sox get a guy they wanted to keep during the offseason, the Dodgers get a small return and get to close the book on the Paxton chapter of the season.