The San Diego Padres are in agreement with All-Star pitcher and 2013 NLCS MVP Michael Wacha on a contract, reports The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. San Diego’s deal with the free-agent right-hander is pending the completion of a physical.
While terms of the contract have yet to be revealed, Wacha had been seeking a two-year deal, according to Rosenthal.
Free-agent right-hander Michael Wacha in agreement with Padres, pending physical, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 14, 2023
Wacha, age 31, arguably had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022. He posted a 3.32 ERA in 127.1 innings pitched. Wacha pitched to an 11-2 record in 23 starts, striking out 104 batters in the process.
Wacha spent last season with the Boston Red Sox. He spent prior seasons in the big leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays.
In his career, he’s posted a career 4.05 ERA with 1,021 strikeouts in 1,153.2 innings pitched.
“Padres addressed long-term uncertainty in rotation,” Rosenthal tweeted. “Since Aug. 1, five-year extension for [Joe] Musgrove, six-year extension for [Yu] Darvish, potentially three years for [Nick] Martinez and now agreement with Wacha, who was seeking two years. [Blake] Snell still eligible for free agency at end of season.”
Padres addressed long-term uncertainty in rotation. Since Aug. 1, five-year extension for Musgrove, six-year extension for Darvish, potentially three years for Martinez and now agreement with Wacha, who was seeking two years. Snell still eligible for free agency at end of season. https://t.co/Ei5WMkgzCZ
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 14, 2023
The MLB world buzzed about the news of Michael Wacha’s deal on Tuesday. Many praised San Diego for adding additional rotation depth as the Padres opened up camp.
The Padres opened camp by addressing their biggest roster deficiency. Right-hander Michael Wacha has agreed to a deal with San Diego, as @Ken_Rosenthal said. The rotation was solid but a bit too top-heavy. This move gives the Padres the depth they wanted.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) February 14, 2023
Thread
Michael Wacha struggled mightily from 2019-2021 before posting a strong 3.32 ERA in 2022. His peripherals show he got lucky and should have had an ERA around 4. Maybe even higher if you look at quality of contact. pic.twitter.com/DYfeYuqrow
— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) February 14, 2023
League average cutter usage in 2022 was 6.7%
Yu Darvish 35.2%
Joe Musgrove 19.4%
Nick Martinez 17.7%
Michael Wacha 17.2%— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) February 14, 2023
Love this.
Michael Wacha had a 3.32 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 23 starts for the Red Sox last season. 127+ innings.
This now gives the Padres an option to begin the season with a 6-man rotation and have flexibility with roles of Martinez/Lugo at some point in the year. https://t.co/5xxtalH2iA
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) February 14, 2023
The Padres found some starting pitching depth.
They have agreed to a contract with RHP Michael Wacha.@Ken_Rosenthal reported this first.Padres had five starting spots essentially locked up but were concerned about getting enough innings from their starters.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) February 14, 2023
Michael Wacha is coming off a strong season where he posted a 3.32 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP.
The addition brings great depth and basically guarantees the Padres will utilize a 6-man rotation again.
His Pitch Mix:
Fastball 93mph
Changeup 84 mph
Cutter 89 mph
Curve 75 mph— Friar Talk (@padrespod) February 14, 2023
