Major League Baseball

San Diego Padres: Clayton Richard Signed to one-year Deal

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:21 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Fansided, Jonathan Goehring/FanSided via Friars on Base

The San Diego Padres came to terms with left-handed starter Clayton Richard on Tuesday, providing a much needed boost in 2017’s rotation.

According to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Padres have extended left-hander Clayton Richard on Tuesday, reaching a one-year deal.

Richard has been in the major leagues for eight full seasons, over five of them in San Diego. Coming off of a productive 2016 in which he recorded three wins and a 3.33 ERA with both the Cubs and Padres, a return to San Diego is in Richard’s future.

The free agent will now come back, at least for 2017. Considering the Padres’ thin rotation, Richard will play a key role, possibly even as the Opening Day starter.

No contract details have been officially released, but it was reported that Richard has agreed to a $1.75 million contract.

Clearly, the benefits of bringing Richard back outweigh the risks. The 33-year-old has a good amount of major league experience, something desperately needed in this rotation. Also, Richard will be the only clear left-handed starter entering Spring Training. Having a rotation of all righties often works against clubs, as it is good to keep an opposing lineup off balance over the course of the series.

Want your voice heard? Join the Friars on Base team!

More from Friars on Base

Also, if it is true that Richard only cost San Diego $1.75 million for 2017, this is a steal. A.J. Preller and the front office has done a fabulous job to make this signing happen, one that did not seem very likely even just a few days ago.

Veteran players often chase opportunities to compete for a World Series, knowing that they do not have much career left. Since the Padres are clearly not contenders in 2017, and they are actually reducing Richard’s salary by $250,000 after an excellent year, this signing is one which will re-establish Preller’s status as an elite general manager.

Still, the contract lasts just one year, so it is unknown whether or not the 33-year-old will be part of the organization’s long term solution. But what is reassuring is that he will be back for 2017, playing a key role in the front end of the rotation.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball

San Diego Padres