James Paxton: A Canadian Baseball Journey Comes to an End
The province of British Columbia has produced a wealth of talented baseball players, including Jeff Francis, Justin Morneau, and Hall of Famer Larry Walker. Among them is James Paxton, who hails from Ladner, a city frequently autocorrected to “Lander.” Over 11 seasons, Paxton has experienced the ups and downs of professional baseball—facing injuries, reaching career milestones, and playing in front of family and friends.
In a recent appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast with Rob Bradford, Paxton announced that 2024 will be his final year in the major leagues.
“I’m hoping that we can squeeze into the postseason, and I can get the opportunity to pitch again… But I think after this season, I’m gonna be retiring and moving onto the next chapter. It’s tough. Obviously, I can still compete and help the team win, but my family needs me home right now,” he shared.
At 35, Paxton entered the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the twilight of his career. After debuting with the Seattle Mariners in 2013— a team that resonates with British Columbians due to its proximity—Paxton established himself as a reliable starter when healthy, despite dealing with injuries throughout his career.
CANADIAN PRIDE: #Mariners lefty James Paxton of Ladner, BC becomes the second Canadian to throw a no-hitter as he shuts down #BlueJays 5-0. It's the 5th time Toronto has been no-hit, and first since May 7, 2011 (Verlander). #MLB https://t.co/9dG63hGXAF pic.twitter.com/xBrUmb3gKU
— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) May 9, 2018
Before reaching the majors, Paxton’s journey was tumultuous. He pitched for the University of Kentucky and was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round of the 2009 draft. However, contract negotiations fell through, leading to complications that made him ineligible to return to college. After a stint with the Grande Prairie AirHogs in the American Association, he was eventually drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2010.
Throughout his career, Paxton made 177 starts and recorded a career-high 29 appearances in 2019 with the Yankees. He faced numerous injury setbacks but still achieved notable success. His best season came in 2018 with the Mariners, posting a 3.76 ERA and throwing a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, making him the first Canadian pitcher to achieve this feat on home soil.
Paxton later spent two seasons with the Yankees and returned to the Mariners in 2021. However, injuries plagued his career, culminating in a series of setbacks, including Tommy John surgery. In 2024, after a brief stint with the Dodgers, he returned to the Red Sox but was sidelined again by injury.
Despite the challenges, Paxton’s statistics reflect his talent. He ranks highly among Mariners pitchers and Canadian players, finishing with over 1,000 strikeouts and a no-hitter to his name.
As he prepares to retire, Paxton leaves behind a legacy as one of British Columbia’s top baseball talents, celebrated for his resilience and skill on the mound. His journey, marked by triumphs and challenges, will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.
