Padres, Richard agree to one-year deal, avoid arbitration

Oct 1, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Clayton Richard (33) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, it was looking like the San Diego Padres and Clayton Richard were not going to reach a deal and head to arbitration. But Saturday was a different story. Late in the afternoon, the Padres and Richard agreed to a one-year, $5.24 million deal. It’s not the deal that Richard was initially looking for but then again a 14-14 record was probably not what the Padres were looking for from a potential number one pitcher. Initially, Richard asked for a $5.5 million deal, an upgrade from his previous $2,705,000 salary.

Richard went 14-14 last season with an ERA of 3.99 in a team-high 33 starts. He also racked up 107 strikeouts, making 2012 the third season of his career that he’s punched out over 100 batters. The 14 wins also matches a career high for Richard. Back in 2010, he went 14-9 with 153 strikeouts, his best season. Richard has the potential to get over the 14-win hump but the he’ll need to have a great spring to get his confidence up to the level it needs to be.

Padres GM Josh Byrnes has never let a deal go to arbitration, according to ESPN.com, and Richard was no exception. With only a one-year deal, this gives Richard the chance to earn that biger salary that he was hoping for.

In other news: Outfielder Cameron Maybin will be held out of workouts as he’s battling a hurt wrist along with infielder Logan Forsythe who has a banged up knee. The two should be expected back in drills within a couple of days.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @Welch1048.