The Blue Jays have designated former Minnesota Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment, cutting ties with him after only a brief run in Toronto.
Woods Richardson, who was DFA’d a few months ago after struggling badly in the rotation, had rejoined the Blue Jays and worked exclusively out of the bullpen. In eight appearances, he logged a 3.93 ERA and 4.94 FIP over 18.1 innings, but the strikeout stuff never really showed up. His fastball sat at 92.6 MPH, and his off-speed pitches weren’t enough to change that.
Friday’s move sent him back into DFA limbo.
News: The #BlueJays have DFA'd Simeon Woods Richardson.
CJ Van Eyk is up. He'll be a multi-inning bullpen option.
- Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 28, 2026
Woods Richardson is now on waivers again, and another team could step in and claim him. Drafted out of high school in the second round by the New York Mets, he could even end up with a reunion there if that door opens.
There should be no shortage of clubs willing to take a look at a pitcher with his profile, especially with so many teams needing arms. Even so, if he clears waivers, the road ahead likely points to a minor league deal next year with a team trying to get his production back on track.
For the Twins, the latest turn only strengthens the case that moving on was the right call. His 4.04 ERA as a depth starter in 2025 now looks a lot less like something to build on and a lot more like a false signal.
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A roster move out of Toronto has put a familiar name in limbo, and it may not stay a Blue Jays issue for long. The club recalled right-hander CJ Van Eyk and designated Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment, a sign of how quickly the pitching picture can change when a former top prospect is running out of runway. Woods Richardson has struggled lately, and the move clears a spot while also forcing the organization to confront a tough decision on a pitcher once viewed as part of the future.
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