Blue Jays' pitcher with up-and-down Toronto tenure lands with “Rivalry Week” opponent

It’s one thing to lose a player for nothing. It just stings a little more when the player is lost to one of your rivals. That's how Simeon Woods Richardson has landed with the Toronto Blue Jays' “Rivalry Week” opponent. Woods Richardson joined the Seattle Mariners on a minor league deal on Wednesday.

Woods Richardson was recently designated for assignment by the Blue Jays following a huge blow-up game against the Kansas City Royals last week. He gave up six earned runs in one inning, leading to a 13-2 thrashing for the Blue Jays at the hands of the Royals. Woods Richardson would go unclaimed on waivers, but ended up electing free agency rather than returning to the Jays’ organization to serve as depth outside of their 40-man roster.

Simeon Woods Richardson showed some promise, but not enough consistency to stick with the Blue Jays

In moving on to the Mariners’ organization, it concluded what turned out to be an up-and-down tenure with Toronto that lasted just over two months. Woods Richardson was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Minnesota Twins in a trade on Jun. 4 in exchange for cash considerations.

In reuniting with their former top prospect, the 25-year-old pitcher made a strong first impression when he debuted with the Blue Jays on Jun. 8 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Woods Richardson would go four strong innings in relief, giving up just one hit with three strikeouts, showing why he was once one of the top pitching prospects in the Blue Jays’ system.

However, despite giving up only two earned runs in his subsequent six appearances with Toronto, his troubles with his command was becoming apparent as he gave up a worrisome 10 walks in just over 13 innings of work. That ultimately led to his undoing in his disastrous outing against the Royals, which would end up costing him his spot on the Jays’ roster.

In joining the Mariners, it gives Woods Richardson a fresh start once again as he hopes to get his career back on track. Seattle has actually become one of the Blue Jays’ top rivals in recent years after the Mariners ousted Toronto from the postseason in 2022, while the Jays returned the favour in 2025 led by George Springer’s dramatic home run in Game 7 of the ALCS.

It certainly would sting even more if Woods Richardson ends up panning out with Seattle and comes back to bite the Blue Jays in their future meetings. Nevertheless, with the Blue Jays needing everything from their bullpen to stay in the Wild Card race, the sacrifice was needed to ensure that they have the best possible chance to win each night.

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