San Diego Padres: Seth Frankoff added on minor-league deal

On Friday, the San Diego Padres added Seth Frankoff on a minor-league deal. He spent the last two seasons playing in the Korean Baseball Organization.

The San Diego Padres appear to be bringing in plenty of competition this spring, adding Seth Frankoff on a minor-league deal on Friday. The 31-year-old was drafted in the 27th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. He made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs in June 2017 in a relief role.

He’s primarily served as a starter through his minor-league career, posting a 4.71 ERA in 24 starts with 119 strikeouts in 116.2 innings for the Cubs’ Triple-A outfit in 2017. Frankoff has spent the last two years pitching for the Doosan Bears in the Korean Baseball Organization.

He made 50 starts between the 2018 and 2019 seasons, posting a combined 3.78 ERA with 245 strikeouts in 266.2 innings.

I imagine it will be tough for Frankoff to break camp as a member of the starting rotation. Joey Lucchesi appears to be the front-runner for the fifth starter, but Cal Quantrill, Adrian Morejon, and potentially, MacKenzie Gore may have something to say about that. His best bet would be as a member of the bullpen, but his chances would appear to be slim as well.

A minor-league deal means there is no guaranteed money, so this signing is minimal risk for the Padres with high potential should Frankoff light the world on fire in Spring Training.

However, with many arms needing time to showcase themselves throughout the spring, he’s going to have to make every pitch count.