Padres Free Agent Player Profile: Joe Thatcher

Former beloved Padres reliever Joe Thatcher is now a free agent this winter. He was not resigned after the season was over by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim who he played for half of 2014, as he also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Could Thatcher want to come back to Sunny San Diego?

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Let’s look into that possibility and Thatcher’s numbers over the past few years. Thatcher in 2013 split time with the Friars and D-Backs, going 3-2 with a 3.32 ERA, pitching in 72 games, while tossing 39 1/3 innings.

In 2014 with the D-Backs and Angels, he pitched in 53 games, hurling 30 1/3 innings, going 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA. These numbers are respectable, especially for a reliever and considering that Joe was hurt for a little while in 2014.

With these numbers and how much Thatcher enjoyed the Padres organization and the community of San Diego, and the Padres organization showing the same respect to him, I could see him signing with the Padres once again, if the deal is right.

This would give the Padres the insurance in the back of the bullpen they may need if they end up trading either one of their relief pitchers or one or two of their starters for a few bats. Here is to hoping that the Padres can get some off-season acquisitions that they need.

#InPrellerWeTrust