The Toronto Blue Jays completed a cash deal Wednesday to bring back right-handed pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson from the Minnesota Twins, marking a return for the former organizational prospect.
The 25-year-old Woods Richardson was placed on waivers by Minnesota last Saturday following a difficult 2024 campaign where he posted a winless 0-7 record and 7.74 earned run average across 12 appearances, including 10 as a starter.
Blue Jays skipper John Schneider expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating: “He has been a pretty good stable guy in Minnesota’s rotation for a couple of years. So I think having some confidence and hopefully maybe tweaking a few things here and there can get him back on track.”
Schneider noted that Woods Richardson would not be available for Thursday’s series conclusion against the host Atlanta Braves.
Throughout his five-year major league career spent entirely with Minnesota, Woods Richardson has posted a 12-17 win-loss record alongside a 4.76 ERA. He has recorded 258 strikeouts against 124 walks across 302 1/3 innings in 65 appearances, with 61 coming as starts.
The pitcher’s professional journey began when the Mets chose him in the 2018 draft’s second round. A year later, he joined Toronto’s organization as part of the trade that sent right-hander Marcus Stroman to New York.
Woods Richardson developed within Toronto’s minor league system until July 2021, when he and outfielder Austin Martin were dealt to Minnesota in the trade for right-hander Jose Berrios.
