NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 21: Simeon Woods Richardson #10 of the Toronto Blue Jays enters the game in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays have had a complicated history with Simeon Woods Richardson, acquiring the young right-hander two different times before eventually watching him leave the organization once again amid a postseason push.
Woods Richardson first arrived in Toronto as a highly regarded prospect in the 2019 trade that sent a star player to the New York Mets. He later became part of the package the Blue Jays used to acquire another veteran starter from the Minnesota Twins, beginning a winding path that eventually brought him back to Toronto earlier this season.
“The Mets selected him in the second round, 48th overall, back in 2018,” Steve Adams wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He was a key piece in a pair of notable trades, first going from New York to Toronto (alongside Anthony Kay) in exchange for Marcus Stroman and then going from Toronto to Minnesota (alongside Austin Martin) in exchange for Jose Berrios.”
That history made Woods Richardson’s latest departure from Toronto particularly notable. Just one day after he elected free agency following a cut from the big-league roster, the 25-year-old has found his next opportunity with another American League club.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Starter Leaves Organization For Third Time To Join Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners signed Woods Richardson to a minor league contract just one day after he elected free agency, according to his official transaction log.
Woods Richardson entered 2026 with considerable roster leverage after five years in the big leagues, though he returned to the Blue Jays after being designated for assignment by the Twins earlier this season.
“Woods Richardson entered the 2026 season out of minor league options, which put him in a strong position to hold a rotation spot in Minnesota,” Adams added. “He indeed broke camp with a starting gig and had a pair of strong outings to begin his season.”
His season ultimately took another turn when Minnesota moved him back to Toronto for cash considerations in June. Woods Richardson made his Blue Jays return on June 8 against the Philadelphia Phillies, throwing four scoreless innings while allowing only one hit.
His second stint in Toronto proved short-lived, however. He was eventually outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo after clearing waivers before returning to the Blue Jays’ active roster in August.
Former Toronto Blue Jays Starter Finds New Opportunity
Toronto designated Woods Richardson for assignment again on August 28. After clearing waivers, he was outrighted to Buffalo on August 31, but this time he rejected the assignment and elected free agency the following day.
That decision immediately opened the door for a new organization, and Seattle moved quickly to add him.
Woods Richardson’s appeal remains tied to the potential he showed as a former top prospect. His path has been uneven, but he has already accumulated significant major league experience at just 25 years old.
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