James Paxton decides he is retiring after this season

In an exclusive interview with WEEI.com, James Paxton announced that he will be retiring after the 2024 season.

The 35-year-old Paxton, who is currently on the 60-day injured list with a torn calf muscle, said that he has informed both his agent, Scott Boras, and wife that his mind is made up when it comes to calling it a career.

"I think after this season I'm going to be retiring and moving on to the next chapter," said Paxton, who has two young children. "It's touch. Obviously, I think I can still do it. I think I can still compete and help a team win. But I just think where my family is at and what they need right now, they need me home. I feel a duty and responsibility to be at home with my family, and I'm looking forward to being at home with my family and spending more time with them.

Paxton has pitched 11 seasons in the majors, totaling a 3.77 ERA over 177 starts dating back to 2011. He joined the Red Sox this season via a trade with the Dodgers, who signed the lefty in the offseason to a one-year, $7 million deal.

The starter only three starts with the Red Sox, coming out of his final appearance after getting just two outs on Aug. 11. In total, Paxton appeared in 22 games with Boston over three seasons, totaling a combined ERA of 4.46.

Paxton would be eligible to still play this season if the Red Sox reached the American League Championship Series.

Paxton spent the majority of his career in Seattle, which drafted the native of Canada in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He made 103 starts over seven seasons with the Mariners, going 41-26 with a 3.42 ERA.

He was traded to the Yankees heading into the 2019 campaign, which saw Paxton go 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA. The following season Paxton made just five starts before succumbing to Tommy John surgery.

Paxton said the decision was "a bit of a slow burn, but where we ended up." His intention is to start a company called "Athlete Complete" which will prioritize helping athletes' mental health.