Josh Johnson could be next free agent to sign, prefers Giants or Padres


Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Josh Johnson delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports, former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Josh Johnson may be the next free agent to sign a new contract.
With Tim Hudson signing, executives believe the pitching market is starting to thaw. One GM believes next starter to sign is Josh Johnson.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 19, 2013
It appears his destination of choice would be in the National League West as San Francisco Chronicle beat writer Henry Schulman tweeted sources have told him that the Giants and San Diego Padres are Johnson’s top choices. Schulman notes that both are close to his Las Vegas home and probably most importantly have two of the most pitcher-friendly parks in baseball. Schulman also appears to believe that San Diego would be a better fit.
Industry sources tell me FA starter Josh Johnson let the #sfgiants and #padres know early on they were his first choice, close to Vegas home
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) November 18, 2013
My $ on Pads. RT @JeffPassan: With One GM believes next starter to sign is Josh Johnson.
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) November 19, 2013
The Toronto Blue Jays did not extend a qualifying offer to the veteran Johnson and according to sources at Blue Jays Plus the Jays have been ready to cut ties with Johnson for some time. The BJP source also says that Johnson’s looking for a one-year deal in the range of $10 million per season plus incentives.