Padres sign RHP Johnson
Free-agent pitcher Josh Johnson signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the San Diego Padres.
Johnson was in San Diego on Tuesday for a physical. The deal, which according to reports is guaranteed and includes $1.25 million in additional performance bonuses for 26 starts next season, was finalized on Wednesday. If Johnson makes fewer than seven starts, the Padres will have a $4 million option for 2015.
Because the Blue Jays did not extend a qualifying offer to Johnson, the Padres will not have to give up a compensatory draft pick.
The 29-year-old right-hander battled through injury problems in 2013 with the Toronto Blue Jays. After offseason elbow surgery to remove bone spurs, Johnson finished the year with a 2-8 record and a 6.20 ERA in 16 starts.
In nine major league seasons with the Blue Jays and Miami Marlins, Johnson has a 58-45 record with a 3.40 ERA.
According to reports, the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals also showed interested in signing Johnson, but he narrowed his choices to the Padres and Giants.
Johnson will compete a spot in the Padres' starting rotation next year with Ian Kennedy, Andrew Cashner, Eric Stults, Tyson Ross, Joe Wieland, Cory Luebke and Robbie Erlin.
