Although the Los Angeles Angels spent the last couple of weeks trying to keep pitcher Garrett Richards on their roster, the 30-year-old right-hander decided it was time for a new challenge. Richards issued a statement on Friday through his Twitter profile, confirming that he agreed to a deal with San Diego Padres.
“Today I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my career,” – wrote Richards in a statement. “The emotions I’m feeling are bittersweet. While we’re excited to start a new chapter as a Padre, it’s not easy to say goodbye to the only team I’ve know.“
He then went on to thank members of Angels’ organization and team’s fans for the support they gave him over the years.
— Garrett Richards (@GRICHARDS26) November 30, 2018
According to sources close to the situation, Garrett Richards signed a two-year deal with the Padres, which is worth around $15 million. This was a move that San Diego made having 2020 season in mind, because Richards will miss the next year recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Los Angeles Angels had high hopes for Garrett Richards when they gave him his debut in majors in 2011, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations due to several injury setbacks he had during his career. Richards first tore his left patellar tendon in 2014 and then suffered torn ligament in his pitching elbow two years late, being forced to miss out the rest of the season both times. He was also forced to miss five months in 2017 due to a biceps injury.
Richards has a 45-38 record in his MLB career, with 3.54 ERA and 645 strikeouts.
