Padres News: Former All-Star Pitcher Opts Out of Friars Deal, Heads to Free Agency

The Teheran era is over in San Diego

The San Diego Padres no longer need the services of former All-star pitcher Julio Teheran. Teheran decided to opt out of his deal with the Friars and hit free agency. MLB insider Jon Heyman was among the first to report. 

Julio Teheran opts out of Padres deal

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 22, 2023

Teheran's baseball journey has seen him spend the majority of his time with the Atlanta Braves, where he established himself as a reliable and accomplished pitcher. He earned two all-star nods in 2014 and 2016 as he was shoving for the Braves. 

In his 11-year career, Julio has gone 78-77 with a 3.80 ERA, 1207 strikeouts, and a 1.22 WHIP in 1396.1 innings pitched and 240 games. The Columbian right-hander last pitched in the majors in 2021 with the Detroit Tigers and has spent his time since in the minor leagues. 

Before opting out of his deal with the Padres, he went 4-2 with a 5.63 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 40 innings and eight games with the Padres Triple-A affiliate El Paso Chihuahuas. 

As the 32-year-old prepares to enter free agency, the baseball world awaits his next move. With his proven skills and experience, he is likely to attract attention from teams seeking to bolster their pitching staff.

We wish him the best and hope he can find his groove with another team, whether that's in the majors or not.