The Padres have decided to decline Josh Johnson's club option, but they will try to bring him back on a cheaper deal.
The Padres announced that they have decided to decline their $4 million club option on right-hander Josh Johnson, according to Corey Brock of MLB.com. Brock also notes that both Johnson and the Padres are interested in a reunion at a cheaper price, but Johnson's agent, Matt Sosnick, told our Chris Cotillo that the team has yet to make an offer to the right-hander. Johnson is unlikely to sign with San Diego during their exclusive negotiating window, and will listen to offers from other clubs before making a decision, according to Cotillo.
Johnson made $8 million in 2014, without pitching a single game for San Diego. In late April, it was announced that Johnson would undergo his second Tommy John surgery, with the first being in 2007. The recovery time from Tommy John surgery is usually around 12 months, so Johnson is questionable to be ready for Opening Day.
Johnson signed with San Diego after appearing in just 16 games with Toronto in 2013. Injury issues aside, Johnson has been one of the game's top performers when healthy. From 2006-2010, Johnson posted a 3.09 ERA over 103 starts. For his career, Johnson has a 3.40 ERA, along with a 3.32 FIP over 9 seasons. Johnson began his career with the Marlins (2005-2012), before one year stints with the Blue Jays in 2013 and the Padres in 2014.