Josh Johnson signs with San Diego Padres

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According to ESPN, former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Josh Johnson has signed with the San Diego Padres. Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

According to ESPN, former Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher has signed with the San Diego Padres. Jerry Crasnick at ESPN.com is reporting that the deal is a one-year deal worth $8 million with an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses if Johnson makes 26 starts.

The Blue Jays did not extend a qualifying offer to Johnson so will not receive a draft pick from the Padres as compensation for the signing.

Johnson was 2-8 for the Blue Jays in 2013 and posted a 6.20 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. However a much better 3.58 xFIP and 2.77 SO/BB ratio made many wonder if it was simply an outlier season for the 6’7 right-handed pitcher.

Crasnick writes that the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals were also suitors for Johnson. His source says that Johnson turned down bigger one-year offers in order to pitch at Petco.

Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports also points out a unique clause on Twitter. If Johnson makes less than seven starts in 2014 than San Diego will have a $4 million club option for 2015.