San Diego Padres Sign Former A’s Pitcher
The San Diego Padres have recently made a significant move by signing former Oakland Athletics reliever, J.B. Wendelken. The deal, reported by Robert Murray, entails a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training for Wendelken, a seasoned right-handed pitcher at the age of 31.
Wendelken’s Career Trajectory
Having spent parts of five seasons with the Athletics since 2016, Wendelken showcased his prowess particularly from 2018 to 2020. During this period, he participated in 61 games, pitching 74 1/3 innings with an impressive 2.30 ERA (3.03 FIP). His performance included a remarkable 0.955 WHIP, a 9.6 K/9 rate, and an average of 3.0 BB/9, establishing himself as a reliable asset for the Oakland team early in his career.
However, Wendelken faced challenges in 2021, struggling with a 4.32 ERA over 25 innings and eventually being designated for assignment in August to make room for A.J. Puk. Subsequently claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wendelken closed the season with the D-Backs, maintaining a 4.34 ERA with improved WHIP statistics compared to his time with the A’s.
Ventures Beyond Major League Baseball
Following his stint with the Diamondbacks in 2022, which saw Wendelken post a 5.28 ERA over 29 innings, he was designated for assignment in July and later sent to Triple-A Reno. Opting for free agency in the offseason, Wendelken ventured abroad to join the Yokohama BayStars in the Central League, culminating in an appearance in the Japan Series in October.
Impressively, Wendelken’s performance in the postseason for the BayStars was stellar, pitching 3 2/3 innings without conceding a run, solidifying a 1.67 ERA across 86 innings in the Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Prospects with the San Diego Padres
Wendelken’s addition to the Padres’ bullpen presents an interesting prospect for the team. While not on the 40-man roster initially, his wealth of MLB experience, encompassing 159 2/3 innings with a 105 ERA+, indicates his above-average capabilities. However, his recent MLB seasons showcased a slight decline, with ERA+ figures of 98 and 77, suggesting room for improvement.
San Diego’s bullpen in 2024 boasted a 3.78 ERA, ranking 11th in the league, but excelled with a 3.60 FIP, placing them 3rd in MLB. This hints at the potential upside of their relievers from the previous season. Wendelken’s role as a depth option signifies a strategic move for the Padres, providing reinforcement in case of injuries or underperformance within the bullpen.
Looking Ahead
As the Padres gear up for the upcoming season, the role that Wendelken will play remains uncertain but promising. With his vast experience and a track record of success, coupled with the Padres’ strategic bullpen management, Wendelken could potentially emerge as a valuable asset for the team in the 2025 season, ready to step in when the opportunity arises.