Headlines

  • Orioles To Decline Five-Year Lease Extension At Camden Yards, Seeking Longer-Term Agreement With Maryland Stadium Authority
  • Blue Jays Sign Chad Green
  • Rays Extend Yandy Diaz
  • Dexter Fowler Announces Retirement
  • Mets Sign Jeff McNeil To Four-Year Extension
  • Red Sox, Marlins Swap Matt Barnes For Richard Bleier
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Padres, Wilmer Font Agree To Minor League Deal

By Steve Adams | January 5, 2023 at 9:42am CDT

The Padres are in agreement on a minor league contract with free-agent righty Wilmer Font, MLBTR has learned. He’ll be in Major League Spring Training and compete for a roster spot. Font is repped by the OL Baseball Group.

Font, 32, has spent the past two seasons pitching with the SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization and has thrown quite well overseas. After spending parts of five big league seasons oscillating between Triple-A and the Majors in a swingman role, he cemented himself as one of the top starting pitchers for a Landers club that won the Korean Series in 2022.

Over the past two seasons, Font owns a 3.03 ERA with a 24.5% strikeout rate against a terrific 5.9% walk rate. Font, who averaged 95.1 mph on his heater during his last big league campaign in 2020, also induced grounders at a healthy 53% clip during his time in the KBO.

Given Font’s strong showing as a starting pitcher in South Korea, he’ll give the Friars some depth at the back of their rotation, where they’re facing some uncertainty. The hope is that Nick Martinez, who served as a swingman in 2022 and spent more time in the ’pen than in the rotation, can hold down the fourth spot on the starting staff for the bulk of the season. Longtime Mets righty Seth Lugo, who was a starter earlier in his career but has worked as a bullpen arm in recent seasons, was signed with the idea that he’ll return to a starting role on in San Diego.

Martinez pitched just 106 1/3 innings in 2022, though, and Lugo logged only 65 innings as a full-time reliever, so it’s sensible to bring some depth with the potential to cover innings. Font racked up 184 innings over 28 starts in the KBO in 2022 — an average of nearly 6 2/3 innings per outing — so he’s more than capable of eating up innings in Triple-A and jumping into a big league rotation if he handles himself well in the minors. He could also break camp in a long relief role if he shows well in Spring Training, and it’s worth noting that the Padres used a six-man rotation early in the 2022 season, which opens that door if Font forces his way into the equation.

Font will join lefties Adrian Morejon, Ryan Weathers and Jay Groome, plus righties Pedro Avila, Reiss Knehr, Julio Teheran and Aaron Brooks in comprising a wealth of rotation depth for San Diego. Each of Morejon, Weathers, Groome, Avila and Knehr is already on the 40-man roster, which could give them a leg up over Font when it comes to finding their way to the big leagues, but Font’s 2021-22 run in the KBO was genuinely impressive and should position him for a big league look at some point, so long as he’s able to pitch reasonably well early in his Padres tenure.

Share 0 Retweet 25 Send via email0

San Diego Padres Transactions Wilmer Font

Twins Agree To Minor League Deal With Tony Wolters
Main
Rockies Rumors: Outfield Search, Cron
View Comments (42)

Comments

  1. lesterdnightfly

    4 weeks ago

    Font is definitely their type….

    Reply
    • Monkey’s Uncle

      4 weeks ago

      I LOL’ed thank you.

      Reply
    • Monkey’s Uncle

      4 weeks ago

      What the Helvetica are the Padres doing?

      Reply
    • towinagain

      4 weeks ago

      News of his signing delivered by courier.

      Reply
      • slowcurve

        4 weeks ago

        His role will be condensed to light mop-up duty.

        Reply
    • towinagain

      4 weeks ago

      And it’s a bold move.

      Reply
    • Carver Andrews

      4 weeks ago

      Hopefully he will have a new script for his major league career, however if he doesn’t make the team they can just send him to Tahoma as a depth option.

      Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      4 weeks ago

      But not the strikeout type.

      Reply
  2. dvmin98

    4 weeks ago

    Preller gon’ Prell….pulling another (possible) gem from the Far East.

    Reply
  3. slowcurve

    4 weeks ago

    Fun times new roman to be a Friars fan!

    Reply
  4. CaptainJudge99

    4 weeks ago

    Check-Your-Font

    Reply
  5. DeGrom Texas Ranger

    4 weeks ago

    Another guy who learns how to pitch after leaving Texas… how amazing! Hopefully, Mike Maddux can clone himself and help minor leaguers this time around. Maybe teach them that strikes are good and balls are bad. Maybe, they had it upside down, given the poor K/BB ratios overall.

    Reply
  6. Henry Silvestre

    4 weeks ago

    Another former Ranger goes to Asia finds success and AJP signs him.. exhibit A Nick Martinez ..exhibit B Font?

    Reply
    • BaseballisLife

      4 weeks ago

      Didn’t Suarez pitch in NPB also? I might be mistaken but seem to remember them talking about it on playoffs broadcast.

      Reply
  7. Henry Silvestre

    4 weeks ago

    His KBO #s and age 32 vs 34.. seem > than the dude A’s signed a few weeks ago.. Mr #50 FA.. D something…

    Reply
    • ruff kuntry

      4 weeks ago

      Their stats are pretty similar in Korea, and Rucinski did it for 4 years whereas Font was there for only 2. I think the consistency and durability is why Rucinski was higher. Even so, I’m a little surprised Font did not receive a major league deal.

      Reply
      • RayKingsThickThighs

        4 weeks ago

        Going off his 2 years in Korea he could easily top 1 million in either Korea or Japan. Maybe the Padres have a gentleman’s agreement he’ll make the 40 man.

        Reply
      • burly

        4 weeks ago

        So am I. Given what domestic free agents, including ones who weren’t particularly effective last season, are getting, I was surprised that Font couldn’t get a one-year deal for a $2M guarantee and an option for a second affordable season, plus performance incentives, given how well he pitched in the KBO last year.

        Reply
  8. siddfinch1079

    4 weeks ago

    This seems like a rather bold move…

    Reply
  9. fre5hwind

    4 weeks ago

    Underrated deal.

    Reply
  10. pinkerton

    4 weeks ago

    Wilmer Garamond

    Reply
  11. paleobros

    4 weeks ago

    Hopefully he’ll make the big team and earn some major league Papyrus

    Reply
  12. Jimbo_Jones

    4 weeks ago

    I hear he prefers number 12 Font

    Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      4 weeks ago

      So what’s your point?

      Reply
      • Jimbo_Jones

        4 weeks ago

        Poor Richard

        Reply
  13. Brew88

    4 weeks ago

    Thought the Pads already had a lot of unproven depth at back of rotation. So it’s this instead of Pablo Lopez (or Cueto)?

    Reply
    • Gwynning

      4 weeks ago

      High prices at the Fish market; I’d love to see Cueto/Wacha still sign here. Happy ’23 Brewski

      Reply
      • Brew’88

        4 weeks ago

        They’re catching marlin near Coronado Islands, so close. Viva 23, it’s the year senior

        Reply
  14. magnificence

    4 weeks ago

    Threw 9 perfect innings on opening day in the KBO last year but the game went to extras tied 0-0 so he didn’t get the perfect game!

    Reply
    • Gwynning

      4 weeks ago

      Magnificent post!

      Reply
    • Jimbo_Jones

      4 weeks ago

      He definitely can Rockwell

      Reply
  15. BlueSkies_LA

    4 weeks ago

    Forever the answer to the trivia question, “who was traded for Logan Salow?”

    Reply
  16. DeGrom Texas Ranger

    4 weeks ago

    Maybe, the writer could have changed the font.

    Reply
  17. Jimbo_Jones

    4 weeks ago

    The padres are definitely hoping he’ll have some Impact

    Reply
  18. BaseballisLife

    4 weeks ago

    So the Padres are cornering the market on KBO and NPB pitchers?

    Reply
  19. paleobros

    4 weeks ago

    Pads are hoping he has a Helvetica good season in the near Futura

    Reply
  20. andrewf

    4 weeks ago

    I like the move and I would be open to a six man rotation in this case so everyone can stay fresher over the season.

    Reply
  21. Readyrob

    4 weeks ago

    Looks to be another (font)astic signing by AJ Preller!

    Reply
    • Rsox

      4 weeks ago

      Just don’t be in a hurry to add him to your F(ont)asy team

      Reply
  22. Readyrob

    4 weeks ago

    On the real AJ Preller took a chance on Martinez and Suarez and look how they planned out! With Ruben Niebla at the pitching helm I’m sure he see the potential necessary to making him a positive pitching cog! Only 32 years old he can still have a few productive years in Wilmer Font! Let the Wizard of the pitching mound (Niebla) do his thing! Let’s go Padres 2023 WS Champions

    Reply
  23. JimGaffland

    4 weeks ago

    The comments section…Always a Font of wisdom!

    Reply
    • paleobros

      4 weeks ago

      Wilmer Font transactions are always a highlight I wait for every offseason.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Orioles To Decline Five-Year Lease Extension At Camden Yards, Seeking Longer-Term Agreement With Maryland Stadium Authority

    Blue Jays Sign Chad Green

    Rays Extend Yandy Diaz

    Dexter Fowler Announces Retirement

    Mets Sign Jeff McNeil To Four-Year Extension

    Red Sox, Marlins Swap Matt Barnes For Richard Bleier

    Darren O’Day Announces Retirement

    Royals To Re-Sign Zack Greinke

    Braves Extend Manager Brian Snitker Through 2025

    Rays Sign Pete Fairbanks To Extension

    Royals Sign Aroldis Chapman To One-Year Deal

    Athletics Sign Jesús Aguilar

    Orioles Acquire Cole Irvin From A’s

    Astros Name Dana Brown General Manager

    Rays Extend Jeffrey Springs

    Royals, Red Sox Swap Adalberto Mondesi For Josh Taylor

    Red Sox Designate Matt Barnes For Assignment

    Scott Rolen Elected Into Baseball Hall Of Fame

    Red Sox Sign Adam Duvall

    Brad Ausmus Reportedly Among Astros’ GM Finalists

    Recent

    Orioles To Decline Five-Year Lease Extension At Camden Yards, Seeking Longer-Term Agreement With Maryland Stadium Authority

    Red Sox Notes: Barnes, Bleier, Paxton, Bello, Pivetta

    Extension Candidate: Dylan Cease

    Mariners Win Arbitration Case Against Diego Castillo

    Mariners, Kyle Tyler Agree To Minor League Contract

    Dodgers Move Danny Lehmann To Bench Coach

    MLBTR Chat Transcript

    Reds Sign Jason Vosler To Minor League Deal

    Braves Sign Yolmer Sanchez To Minor League Deal

    Mets’ Khalil Lee Under Investigation Following Assault Allegations

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Offseason Outlook Series
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version