Last week it was reported that the Padres designated Clayton Richard for assignment to make room for Ian Kinsler. Most people expected the veteran southpaw to clear waivers and hit the free agent market looking for one last rodeo, but the team found a new home for him and saved some money along the way.
Sounds like the Blue Jays are covering half of Clayton Richard's $3M salary next season. The Padres acquired 25yo Minor League outfielder Connor Panas in the trade.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) December 30, 2018
If the team had simply released Richard, the Padres would have been on the hook for all of his $3M salary for 2019.