As MLB Spring Training approaches, teams are rounding out their rosters with a final round of free agency signings as pitchers and catchers report. That includes a member of the 2022 Red Sox, who will now be heading elsewhere.

On Tuesday morning, MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal reported that starting pitcher Michael Wacha has agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres. The terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, but according to MLB.com, “the structure was said to be somewhat complex, involving multiple years and the potential for Wacha to opt out.

Wacha, 31, was a surprise and rare bright spot for the Red Sox last season. The righty started 23 games, going 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.115 WHIP.

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  TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 2: Michael Wacha #52 of the Boston Red Sox pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on October 2, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

• Last season, Wacha was a steadying presence in a mostly otherwise erratic Red Sox rotation. Moving on from him, the Red Sox are now projected to have six players competing for the five spots in the rotation, with newly-signed Corey Kluber and now-healthy Chris Sale and James Paxton joining Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock, and Brayan Bello.

  Now, Wacha heads to San Diego to join Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Blake Snell in the Padres’ high-powered rotation. Last year, the Padres had the 13th-best team starting rotation ERA in the league at 3.80.

  Wacha is the second Red Sox player to head to San Diego this year. Xander Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million deal with the Padres back in December.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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