Simeon Woods Richardson’s latest stop has him landing with a Blue Jays rival, a turn that makes his departure from Toronto feel just a little sharper.
The right-hander signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday after clearing waivers and choosing free agency rather than staying in the Blue Jays’ organization outside the 40-man roster. Toronto had designated him for assignment after a rough outing against the Kansas City Royals last week, when he was tagged for six earned runs in one inning during a 13-2 loss.
That ugly appearance ended a short, uneven run with the Blue Jays that lasted just over two months. Toronto acquired Woods Richardson from the Minnesota Twins on Jun. 4 in exchange for cash considerations, and he made an encouraging first impression six days later against the Philadelphia Phillies. In that debut on Jun. 8, he worked four strong innings in relief, allowed one hit and struck out three.
But the early promise never really turned into steady production. Over his next six appearances, Woods Richardson gave up only two earned runs, yet the command issues piled up. He walked 10 batters in just over 13 innings, and that control problem finally caught up with him in the Royals game that cost him his roster spot.
Now he gets another fresh start in Seattle, a club that has become a familiar foe for Toronto in recent years. The Mariners knocked the Blue Jays out of the postseason in 2022, and Toronto answered in 2025 with George Springer’s dramatic home run in Game 7 of the ALCS.
If Woods Richardson settles in with Seattle and finds his footing there, the Blue Jays could see him again down the line. For now, though, Toronto moves on with its bullpen needing every available arm as it tries to stay in the Wild Card race.
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