The Padres on Wednesday announced a two-year contract extension for left-hander Clayton Richard. Financial terms of the deal, which keeps Richard under contract through 2019, were not immediately disclosed.
Richard, 34, had been due for free agency after signing a one-year deal last December. In his first full season as a starter since 2012, he has a 4.82 ERA over a team-leading 185 innings.
The new deal should provide the Padres with at least one dependable innings-eater. Young pitchers Luis Perdomo and Dinelson Lamet look like probables for the 2018 rotation. Another veteran lefty, Travis Wood, has experience starting and working in relief.
Richard will make $2.5 million this year. His contract called for a base salary $1.75 million and $250,000 performances bonuses at 15, 20, and 25 starts.
"Clayton has been a steadying presence in our rotation, both on and off the field," General manager A.J. Preller said in a release. "He has provided veteran leadership for our young ball club, and his tireless work ethic sets the standard among his peers. We're extremely excited to have him in a Padres uniform for two more years."
