8 free agent duds we’re glad the St. Louis Cardinals didn’t sign

John Mozeliak (right) before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
John Mozeliak (right) before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Dahl #21 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 22, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
David Dahl #21 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 22, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

James Paxton

James Paxton came back to the Seattle Mariners as a free agent this offseason after a two-year stint with the New York Yankees. Paxton has started 137 games in his career going 754.2 innings with a 57-33 record. He’s struck out 831, give up 231 walks and 301 earned runs. He has a 28.3 CSW%, or the called + swinging strike percentage. This is considered average.

He would certainly be someone to consider for a rotation slot as he throws strikes and can eat innings. These are two skills the Cardinals have definitely needed this season.

But Paxton has only started one game this season, going 1.1 innings, facing five batters, striking out two and giving up a walk and one run. He landed on the 60-day injured list with a forearm injury and is out until the 2022 season, but has been rehabbing at T-Mobile Park in Seattle daily.

Maybe at some point Paxton would be a good asset for a team looking for a veteran pitcher but it does seem he landed in the right spot for his rehabilitation and growth.