Padres Agree to Deal With Former NL Rival Experiment Pitcher

Friars will give him another opportunity.

The San Diego Padres have remained active when it comes to adding pieces to their rosters and even if no big names have been brought in for their major league squad, they are always keeping an eye out for minor league additions.

These moves allow them to move the top performers from AAA and AA up so they can get a chance on the big league roster. GM A.J. Preller recently revealed that the franchise is not in trade mode just yet and that they will look for talent in their farm system first.

This makes the recent signing of James Bourque that much more interesting. News of this deal was first reported by MLB Trade Rumors.

Padres Sign James Bourque To Minor League Deal https://t.co/d0APfp89g5 pic.twitter.com/p5BSgog4dQ

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) May 20, 2023

Bourque has had quite the interesting ride in the MLB thus far and he played in just seven games last season with the Iowa Cubs in AAA. During that time, he was able to record a 3.24 ERA but injuries shortened his stint.

The last time we actually saw him play at the highest level was in 2020 when he was still with the Washington Nationals but it did not go over so well.

Get to know #Nats reliever @jamesbourque fresh off his call-up from the @HbgSenators! pic.twitter.com/juKdoFJr2b

— Nationals on MASN (@masnNationals) May 25, 2019

Here he was only able to see action six games and posted a very poor 6.75 ERA. The Friars will be giving him yet another chance to produce and he could still pan out seeing that he is just 29-years-old.