The Boston Red Sox are unfortunately dealing with trouble in their rotation. Sonny Gray needs additional rest after dominating all season long, so the Sox are pushing back his September 1 start. At least they have the roster expansion to help alleviate the situation.
Replacing Gray is pitching prospect Jedixson Paez, and he's taken the strangest path to get to where he is now.
Paez signed with the Red Sox in January 2021. He was starting games in the Dominican Summer League six months later. There was always the same narrative surrounding the right-handed pitcher — Paez had incredible command. However, his velocity left much to be desired. Back in 2021, Paez sat in the mid-80s. By 2024, he was sitting around 90 MPH and could reach back to get into the low-90s.
Paez had also worked himself up to High-A by 2025, but injuries limited him to 19 1/3 innings that season. That's why what happened next is so confusing.
A timeline of the strange path of the Red Sox September call-up Jedixson Paez
The Chicago White Sox selected Paez in the Rule 5 Draft this offseason. Despite not even pitching an inning in Double-A, they were throwing him into the fire of the major leagues.
Paez lasted three games with the White Sox. He threw three innings, allowing six runs. Chicago DFA’d the 22-year-old on April 1, and he was promptly returned to the Red Sox.
Boston sent Paez to Double-A to make his debut at the level (after pitching in the majors). There, he could properly work on his game the way he should have been allowed to had he never left the Red Sox organization.
How has that gone? Paez has a 4.11 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A this season, but that’s very deceptive. He has a .225 BAA and an incredible 0.96 WHIP. That’s thanks to a ridiculous 1.03 BB/9 (while boasting a 10.57 K/9).
Paez has a great changeup and some good breaking balls. His fastball is vastly improved thanks to the velocity ticking up. Despite the speed increase, the command hasn’t wavered a single time.
So what should Boston fans expect from the righty? A lot of strikes, plenty of finesse, and maybe a few gross frisbees. He likely won’t go deep into the game, as he’s only pitched five-plus innings twice this year. Will anyone really complain about five painless innings, though?
Paez has had one of the weirdest seasonal paths you’ll ever see — he was plucked from High-A, to the majors with a different organization, back to his original organization, to Double-A, to Triple-A, and back to the big leagues. Red Sox fans should be thrilled he’s made it, though.
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