The San Diego Padres announced earlier today that they have chosen to decline their team option on right-handed starting pitcher Josh Johnson for the 2015 season. Johnson was due to make $4 million dollars next season, but made less than seven starts. He re-injured his pitching elbow, and underwent the second Tommy John procedure of his career. Johnson failed to toss even one pitch for the Friars during the 2014 campaign.
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#Padres decline $4 million option on RHP Josh Johnson. My understanding is they'll try to work out a lesser deal. He'd like to return.
— Corey Brock (@CoreyBrockMLB) October 30, 2014
There is a chance that Johnson returns to the Padres next season, but it will most likely be under a heavy incentive-laden deal based upon innings pitched and games started. He could come to spring training on a one-year deal, healed and motivated to get a longer contract after next season, and prove that his arm issues are behind him and that he can be a front of the rotation starter once more.