Scott Thompson, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Looking down the road, the Yankees will need to start extending some key players before they hit free agency -- waters that those players might want to navigate to find a new team.

So, while the Yankees have a roster capable of winning a World Series at the moment, GM Brian Cashman will be doing everything in his power to make sure that remains intact. To do so, it requires some big decisions.

We've already taken a look at Gary Sanchez's situation and Masahiro Tanaka's. Now let's examine James Paxton, who is set to hit free agency after the 2020 season...

CONTRACT: Avoided arbitration with one-year deal worth $12.5 million.

Why should Paxton stay?

Since his 2017 season with the Seattle Mariners where he had a 2.98 ERA over 24 starts, Paxton has solidified himself as one of the best left-handed starters in the game. And after trading for him, the Yankees certainly shouldn't let him go.

In making the trade, Cashman probably hoped that Paxton pitched well enough to warrant a new contract when free agency came around. He's done that so far with a 3.82 ERA in 2019, including a strong second half performance and postseason success in his first trip into October.

Paxton was given the ball in Game 1 of the ALDS and and Game 2 of the ALCS, and while he struggled with command against the Minnesota Twins, he was that dominant lefty the Yankees knew he could be against the Houston Astros.

Of course, Gerrit Cole would get those first games of a postseason series now. But having secured that experience, Paxton knows what to expect and can be that No. 2 starter right behind him.

If Paxton is locating that mid-to-high 90s fastball, he is very tough to hit, as his breaking stuff becomes that much more lethal. He's also turning 32 before next season, so there are definitely more innings left in "Big Maple's" arm.

Video: What are the odds for the Yankees to win the AL?

Why should Paxton go?

This will depend on what Paxton is looking for exactly when free agency comes around. If he's pitching well in the first half of the season, the Yankees should be talking about a potential extension before he gets there to begin with. But if he's looking for a long-term deal worth a lot of money, the Yankees might want to focus elsewhere.

His deal before arbitration at that $12.5 million number could be the foundation that will set him up for a bigger AAV on a new deal -- if his performance this season warrants it. The Yankees still have to worry about extensions for players like Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, Gary Sanchez, and even DJ LeMahieu down the road.

In turn, the Yankees shouldn't overspend on Paxton knowing that they already spent a boatload on an ace in Cole.

What's the right move?

It's simple: If the price is right, sign him.

Paxton proved that he can handle the bright lights in the Bronx, showcasing consistency and power on the mound. He's had a few duds mixed in, but which pitcher doesn't? Having Cole and Paxton work as a 1-2 punch (with Luis Severino hopefully coming back healthy), this rotation would have a very scary top three in the rotation.

It will be interesting to see how Paxton's contract situation develops during the season. Cashman could be quick to try and hammer out a deal before the winter comes around, and Paxton could also try and test the waters to see what the money would look like.

In the end, Paxton is a clear fit for the Bombers as their top-of-the-rotation lefty, and he's with a club that will be contending for a World Series title for the foreseeable future. One would think the interest is mutual on both sides, but his 2020 performance could be a key indicator of whether or not he'll be inking a deal to stay in pinstripes for years to come.

Popular in the Community