RedSoxRoundtable’s Zach Coe discusses what fans should expect to see from recently promoted starter Jedixson Paez as he takes the mound in Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners. Be sure to join our FREE community.
As rosters expand to 28 across Major League Baseball, the Boston Red Sox made a series of roster moves on Tuesday, including the promotion of the No. 17 prospect in the organization, pitcher Jedixson Paez. The 22-year-old right-hander will get the start in Tuesday’s game two against the Seattle Mariners, as the Red Sox look to give veteran starter Sonny Gray a couple of extra days of rest.
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Paez was initially signed by the Red Sox for $450,000 out of Venezuela as part of the 2021 international free agent class. After four seasons in the Red Sox organization, peaking at High-A Greenville, Boston made the decision to not add Paez to the 40-man roster ahead of the 2025 Rule 5 draft, making him eligible to be selected. Paez was somewhat shockingly selected by the Chicago White Sox with the first overall pick in the Rule 5 draft.
Mar 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Jedixson Paez (63) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning at loanDepot Park. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
After making the White Sox Opening Day roster out of Spring Training, Paez made his first appearance above High-A in the big leagues on March 26, allowing three earned on two hits and walking two across 1.1 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. After just three appearances, spanning three innings in which he allowed six earned runs on three hits, Paez was designated for assignment by Chicago and returned to the Red Sox organization for $50,000.
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Upon his return to the Boston farm system, Paez reported to Double-A Portland, where, in 17 appearances, he posted a 4.41 ERA. Paez was promoted to Triple-A Worcester on Aug. 12. After appearing mostly in relief for Portland, Paez made three starts for Worcester, allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out 12 and walking only two in 12.1 innings pitched. His most recent start came on Aug. 25, when he tossed five innings of one-run ball, allowing one hit, a solo home run, striking out eight and walking none.
According to SoxProspects.com, Paez is a “potential emergency up-and-down depth starter. Ceiling of a back-end starter.”
Worcester’s Jedixson Paez walks off after retiring the first three Buffalo batters Aug. 13 at Polar Park. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
With a fastball that sits in the lower 90s, the 22-year-old doesn’t have overpowering stuff; however, he has incredible command of the strike zone. Since being returned to the Boston organization, Paez has struck out 74 batters while issuing only 7 walks. As noted by Baseball America’s Ian Cundall, Paez’s best pitch is his changeup, which has generated a 55 percent whiff rate.
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Since he has only made 10 starts this season, Paez isn’t fully stretched out to a starter’s workload. He threw 54 pitches in his final start with Worcester, meaning he should be able to give Boston around 55-65 pitches as he makes his Red Sox debut.
Paez will get the start opposite Bryan Woo (9-9, 4.36 ERA for Seattle as the Red Sox look to clinch a series win over the Mariners on Tuesday night. First pitch from Fenway Park is set for 6:45 p.m. ET.
