Seattle Mariners: Reasons to Love/Hate the James Paxton acquisition
The Seattle Mariners re-signed former team hero James Paxton. There are reasons to both love and hate the deal to bring Big Maple back to Seattle.
On Saturday, Seattle Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto made a significant statement by signing former team ace James Paxton to a one year, $8.5M+ contract. As of this article’s posting, his physical is still pending, but for all intents and purposes, this is a done deal.
There are three distinct factions of Seattle Mariners fans right now; sentimental, strategic, and a hybrid of both. Based on fans’ immediate reaction on social media, most appear in favor of Paxton joining the team. Let’s dissect this, though.
Sentimental Fans
James “Big Maple” Paxton grew up 142 miles north of T-Mobile Park. During his first six years with the club, he became a cult hero. His Maple Grove rivaled the King’s Court, and fans used a maple leaf to signify each strikeout by the hard-throwing lefty. His laid-back approach with fans, media, and with the game resonated with most Seattle fans.
On May 8, 2018, Paxton etched a spot in Mariners history by throwing a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. It took only 99 pitches for “Big Maple” to became the second Canadian-born pitcher to throw a Major League no-hitter. Also, it was the sixth no-hitter in the Mariners’ relatively short history.
The sentimental Mariners fan can see a bit of normalcy in Paxton’s arrival back to the club where he started his career. They are fierce about this too. Right now, the sentimental fan is also in “win-now” mode. Paxton’s signing gives them something else to root for.
Hope is a tricky proposition, but these fans need hope, and Paxton represents everything they have been hoping to see. He’s another arm, one that has been successful (57-33 lifetime record) and is exciting to watch.
Left-handed James Paxton and the Seattle Mariners are in agreement on a one-year deal for $8.5 million. Has some reachable bonuses that could take it to $10 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 14, 2021