The San Diego Padres acquired pitcher Phil Hughes and $14.5 million from the Minnesota Twins on Sunday for minor catcher Janigson Villalobos, hoping the former All-Star can find his form in a new spot.
The last-place Padres also got the 74th pick in next month’s draft from Minnesota in the deal.
Hughes was designated for assignment last Monday. He was 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA in 12 innings over seven games, two of them starts.
Hughes, who has been slowed by surgeries in recent years, is making $13.2 million this season and due to make $13.2 million next year. The Twins sent $14,522,742 to the Padres to cover most of the money owed to Hughes.
The 21-year-old Villalobos has played parts of two seasons in the low minors for the Padres. He will join the Gulf Coast League Twins, who haven’t started this season yet.
