a 3.76 ERA. New York Yankees On November 19, 2018, the Mariners traded Paxton to the New York Yankees for Justus Sheffield, Dom Thompson-Williams, and Erik Swanson. In April 2019, Paxton became only the second Yankees pitcher (after David Cone in 1998) to strike out 12 or more batters in consecutive starts. In 2019 he was 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA in 29 starts, in which he struck out 186 batters in 150.2 innings (11.1 strikeouts per 9 innings). On February 5, 2020, it was revealed that Paxton underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy to remove a peridiscal cyst. Recovery time required 3–4 months. Paxton made 5 appearances in 2020 for the Yankees, pitching to a 1-1 record with a 6.64 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 20.1 innings pitched. He became a free agent after the season. Seattle Mariners (second stint) On February 18, 2021, Paxton agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. In his first start of the season on April 6, 2021 against the Chicago White Sox, Paxton threw only 24 pitches before being removed from the game with left elbow discomfort. Two days later on April 8, it was announced that Tommy John surgery was recommended for Paxton. On April 13, the Mariners announced that Paxton would undergo the procedure, ending his season. He underwent the surgery in late April. Boston Red Sox On December 1, 2021, Paxton signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Boston Red Sox that included a two-year club option. On March 16, 2022, the Red Sox placed Paxton on the 60-day injured list, as he continued his recovery from surgery. Paxton did not pitch for the Red Sox during the 2022 season. Following the season, the team announced that Paxton exercised his $4 million player option to remain a member of the Red Sox for the 2023 season. Pitching style A power pitcher with a long stride and a release from a closed position that hides most of his deliveries, comparable to a faster version of Andy Petitte, Paxton relies on a four-seam fastball that ranges in velocities in the high 90s miles per hour (MPH). He also complements his four-seam fastball with a cutter (high 80s MPH) and a knuckle curve (low 80s MPH). He has decreased the use of his sinker/changeup. His strikeout pitches are high fastballs and a low inside knuckle curve against right-handers. His