The New York Yankees have reportedly addressed their need for a starting pitcher.
The Yankees acquired Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton in exchange for three minor league prospects, as initially reported by Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan.
Source: James Paxton has been traded to the New York Yankees.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 19, 2018
Justus Shieffield, the Yankees' No. 1 prospect, was reportedly among the three players included in the deal, according to MLB.com's Greg Johns. The Mariners also reportedly acquired Double-A outfield prospect Dom Thompson-Williams and right-handed pitcher Erik Swanson, who ranks as New York's No. 22 overall farm system prospect, according to MLB.com.
Can confirm Mariners and Yankees are in process of finalizing a deal that will send James Paxton to NY for three prospects, including top-rated RH Justus Sheffield.
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) November 19, 2018
Paxton went 11-6, recording a 3.68 ERA, 208 strikeouts and 42 walks in 160.1 innings pitched, while also throwing a no-hitter in his home country of Canada against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 8. The lefty has a career 41-26 record, a 3.42 ERA, 617 strikeouts and 168 walks in 582.1 innings pitched during six MLB seasons.
The 30-year-old pitcher was viewed as one of the Mariners' most desirable players, but has had issues with injuries in the past. Paxton was limited to just 160.1 innings pitched in 2018 and 136 in 2017. However, he's displayed his talent when healthy and should be a solid No. 2 option behind ace Luis Severino.
Paxton will be under contract with the Yankees until 2021, as per his previous agreement with the Mariners. The left-hander will be a huge bargain for New York, having earned just $4.9 million in 2018.
The Yankees are expected to make another move this offseason to bolster their rotation. As of Monday, the Bombers' starters include Severino, Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia, who signed a one-year deal earlier this month after announcing his intention to play one more season before retiring.
New York is expected to target free agent pitchers Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ -- who was acquired via trade prior to the trade deadline last season -- and place a higher priority on adding an additional starter compared to infielder Manny Machado and outfielder Bryce Harper, two of the biggest bats on the market this offseason, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Source: #Yankees remain interested in free agents Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ, following the James Paxton deal. Yankees are placing a higher priority on adding one more starting pitcher than signing Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 19, 2018
Like Paxton, Corbin and Happ are both left-handers, which could be based on the fact that righties traditionally struggle more than southpaws given Yankee Stadium's short porch in right field.
Other free agent left-handers include Dallas Keuchel, Gio Gonzalez, Drew Pomeranz, Wade Miley and Derek Holland.
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