Big Maple?
Yup. Big Maple.
That's the nickname of James Paxton, new Yankees pitcher.
So, what's the deal? What's behind the nickname? Well, according to The Seattle Times' Sean Quinton, it started with Paxton's tattoo and Mariners bench coach Tim Bogard.
From Quinton:
The name stems from the big maple leaf tattoo Paxton has on his right forearm, representing his Canadian roots.
"I guess. Bogey (Bogar) started that one. They call me Big Canuck or Big Maple. One of the two."
The Yankees acquired Paxton, a 30-year-old lefty, from Seattle in exchange for a package of prospects fronted by 22-year-old left-hander Justus Sheffield on Monday night.