Padres Officially Sign Josh Johnson

The Padres finally announced that they have agreed to a deal with RHP Josh Johnson.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports had the details of the deal.

This deal had been rumored to have been close to complete for weeks and now it is finally official. Johnson will compete for one of the final two rotation spots behind Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy with Brandon Morrow, Odrisamer Despaigne, Corey Luebke, Casey Kelly and potentially even Brandon Maurer and Matt Wisler. That is if he is healthy. That health stipulation is applicable to a lot of the guys he competing with too though. Morrow, Kelly and Luebke all equal health concerns.

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When he’s been healthy Johnson has been a top tier pitcher. In his 998 career innings he’s had a 3.40 ERA, 3.32 FIP and 3.57 xFIP and a strikeout rate of 8.25. He’s 30th in pitcher WAR since 2006 among all starters according to Fangraphs. He’s even that high with 5 seasons of 90 innings or fewer which includes this past season where he never took the mound. Aside from his brief and unhealthy stint in Toronto, he’s always had success on the mound, it’s just about getting on the mound. Getting a chance to pitch half his games at Petco Park should be beneficial for him too.

In order to open a spot on the 40 man roster the Padres designated Jake Goebbert for assignment. Goebbert was acquired from the A’s in exchange for Kyle Blanks. Goebbert made his major league debut this past year with the Padres. He hit .218/.313/.317 in 51 games. With the recent outfield acquisitions, Goebbert slid down the outfield depth chart even further and became even more expendable. There’s a small chance he gets claimed, but I’d guess he stays with the team.