Padres News: Jose Valverde Opts Out Out of Contract

Jose Valverde has opted out of his minor league contract with the San Diego Padres and the team has granted his release. It was first reported by Corey Brock of MLB.com. Valverde was competing for a spot in the bullpen, but apparently the Padres will be headed in a different direction, but the team has left an open door for him to return.

However, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Valverde’s agent believes a deal will come soon, so we may never get the chance to see “Papa Grande” at Petco Park.

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The 37 year old Valverde had a decent spring allowing four runs over nine games. He struck out eight batters and only allowing one walk.

Valverde had spent time in the majors with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers and New York Mets before coming to San Diego. Everywhere, with the exception of New York, he had posted a season with more than 40 saves.

Now past his prime, he’ll look to find a role in a pen elsewhere. Even though it didn’t work out in San Diego, I’ll be rooting for Valverde to catch on somewhere.

What do you guys think about the Padres cutting Valverde? Do you blame him for opting out?

Next: Medica, Almonte Sent to Minors Camp

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