5 players who could be traded if the Red Sox fall out of postseason contention

2) Red Sox pitcher James Paxton could be traded if the team falls out of postseason contention

One of the surprise stories of this season for the Red Sox has been the play of James Paxton. We all know how good he was in the past, but the southpaw had been limited to just six starts over the past three seasons due to injury.

Paxton missed the first month and a half of this season with injury, but since returning has looked like the Paxton of old. He has a 2.73 ERA in 10 starts and 56 innings pitched. He has 63 strikeouts to just 14 walks. He's been outstanding in a Red Sox rotation that desperately needed him to be.

Paxton has gone at least five innings in all but two of his starts and has allowed two runs or fewer in all but two of his starts. He's only really had one bad start this season.

While he's been awesome, Paxton's contract is up at the end of this season. That makes him a prime trade candidate if the Red Sox do decide to sell. With him making just $4 million this season, he should have a whole slew of teams bidding for his services.

Boston won't get a frontline prospect for Paxton, but his outstanding season thus far and his cheap contract should help net the Red Sox a decent asset for a guy they had no expectations for. With how expensive starting pitching is on the market, it's possible we get surprised with what he can bring back in a deal.