Simeon Woods Richardson Stats & Scouting Report

IP	133.2
ERA	4.17
WHIP	1.29
BB/9	3.23
SO/9	7.88

Full name Simeon Woods Richardson
Born 09/27/2000 in Sugar Land, TX
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Kempner
Debut 10/02/2022
Drafted in the 2nd round (48th overall) by the New York Mets in 2018 (signed for $1,850,000).

View Draft Report

One of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, Woods-Richardson is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound righthander out of Texas who impressed scouts at multiple summer showcase events last year. At both the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif., and Perfect Game's World Wood Bat Association world championships in Jupiter, Fla., during the fall, Woods-Richardson pitched with a low-90s fastball that touched 93 mph at times. He features both a four-seam and two-seam fastball, as well as two breaking balls--one a sweeping slider in the upper 70s and the other a mid-70s curveball with an 11-to-5 shape. He showed the makings of a plus breaking ball at the Area Code Games and even flashed a potential plus changeup during the Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C. After all the flashes of upside over the summer, Woods-Richardson has continued to trend up this spring, with his fastball velocity ticking up. Scouts have noted, however, that he doesn't always hold his velocity into starts as long as they would like to see. As a younger, athletic righthander out of Texas who has trended in the right direction this spring, Woods-Richardson has checked enough boxes on his scouting report to get him drafted quickly in June. If he did make it to campus at Texas, he would be a two-way talent with some impressive raw power with the bat as well.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade: 40/Medium

Track Record: A second-round pick of the Mets back in 2018, Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in his draft class and an arm with rapidly improving velocity. He touched 95-97 mph early in his pro career, which enticed the Blue Jays to acquire him in the Marcus Stroman trade in 2019. He was then dealt again, this time with Austin Martin, in the 2021 Jose Berrios trade. He made his MLB debut on April 22, 2023, but after giving up five runs in four innings in a relief appearance, he spent the remainder of the season at Triple-A St. Paul.

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson’s arm speed isn’t what it once was, so he now has to survive with fringy stuff. In most starts, he sits at 89-91 mph and rarely tops 92. That’s brought down the quality of his fringe-average slider as well, as it lacks the power it once had. He has grown to rely more and more on his above-average low-80s changeup. It has some fade and he’s comfortable mixing it in as a right-on-right weapon. Woods Richardson is able to cut his fastball exceptionally well, which does help him avoid the sweet spot and he is an example of a pitcher who has better command than control. He locates his pitches well, but because he has to nibble, he’ll pile up walks rather than give in to throw a strike in hitters’ counts.

The Future: If Woods Richardson was sitting at 93-94 instead of 89-91, he would be a viable back-end rotation option. But unless he gets back some of his lost arm speed, he has a very small margin of error, as was apparent in his MLB debut. He should head back to St. Paul, but could get starts or multi-inning relief appearances with the Twins on a fill-in basis.

Scouting Grades Fastball: 45 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 40
BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium

Track Record: Before he ever made it out of Double-A, Woods Richardson had twice been traded for a big league starting pitcher. The Mets drafted him in the second round in 2018, then traded him to the Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman in 2019. The Twins picked him up in 2021 along with Austin Martin for Jose Berrios. Woods Richardson missed roughly a month of the 2022 season on the Covid injured list, but he returned in mid July and made his MLB debut for the Twins in the final week of the regular season with a start against the Tigers.

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson's stuff and success varies from outing to outing. Seen on the right day, he'll locate a fringe-average 92-94 mph fastball that can touch 95-96, and he'll mix in three solid secondaries consisting of slider, curveball and changeup. On other days, Woods Richardson sits 90-92 mph with less consistent offspeed pitches and scattershot control. The tricky part is separating how much of his success is based around the same delivery issues that lead to his inconsistency. He isn't direct to the plate with his delivery, but that helps add deception to an assortment of pitches that otherwise are fairly generic. Woods Richardson has a high over-the-top release point, so he generally works up and down in the strike zone, which also helps his average curveball play. His fringe-average low-80s slider gives hitters something different to worry about. His above-average changeup is more consistent.

The Future: Because he was drafted as a 17-year-old, Woods Richardson won't turn 23 until the very end of the 2023 season. He's not a finished product, and if he can improve his velocity as well as the movement on his slider and his control, he has the ability to be a No. 4 starter.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball 50. Slider: 45. Changeup: 55. Control: 50
Track Record: One of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, Woods Richardson signed for $1.85 million as the No. 48 overall pick. He has already been traded twice in his career. The Mets sent him to the Blue Jays in a package for Marcus Stroman and the Blue Jays then traded him to the Twins in 2021, along with Austin Martin, for righthander Jose Berrios.

Scouting Report: A Top 100 prospect entering the 2021 season, Woods Richardson struggled in his first stint in the upper minors, posting a 5.91 ERA between Double-A New Hampshire and Wichita. He throws from a high arm slot that offers some deception, but his delivery has been described as mechanical and stiff at times, and his arm can be late at foot strike. Woods Richardson has been an impressive strike thrower despite that in the past, though his walk rate ballooned this year to a career-worst 5.7 BB/9 mark. His fastball sits in the low 90s and will touch 95 mph at peak, but it’s not an overpowering pitch. It has cut action that allows it to tunnel nicely with an arm side fading changeup around 80 mph that earns plenty of plus grades and is one of the best in the Minnesota system. He also throws a steep, downer, mid-70s curveball and a slider (mostly to righties) a few ticks harder. Woods Richardson shows feel to land his breaking stuff and both have solid movement, but hitters have managed to track them well.

The Future: Woods Richardson profiles as a back-end starter at best who succeeds with precision and deception—as well as an out-pitch changeup—though some scouts think he’d be best served in a multi-inning relief role.
Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 60.
Track Record: Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, playing his first season at 17 after signing for $1.85 million as the No. 48 overall pick. One year later, the Mets traded him and lefthander Anthony Kay to the Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman. He spent 2020 at the alternate site in Rochester.

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson has a strong, powerful build and exceptional polish for his age. He reached high Class A Dunedin in 2019 as a 19-year-old. His athleticism helps him repeat his delivery consistently and locate his fastball to all quadrants of the strike zone, with a chance for plus or better control. He gets good extension out front on his 91-95 mph fastball which has late, riding life when he pitches up in the zone. He mixes and matches three secondary pitches to miss bats, including a tick above-average slider and a deceptive changeup that improved in 2020 to become a plus pitch. Woods Richardson also throws an average curveball, though he goes to his slider more with two strikes.

The Future: Woods Richardson is advanced enough to start 2021 in Double-A, with a chance to get to Toronto by the end of the year. He has the mix of stuff and control to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter.
TRACK RECORD: Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in the 2018 draft when he signed with the Mets as the 48th overall pick. One year later, he was the key prospect the Mets sent to Toronto in the Marcus Stroman deal and finished the year with a strong showing at high Class A.

SCOUTING REPORT: Woods Richardson posted a sparkling K/BB ratio in his first full season, especially for a pitcher who is the same age as many 2019 high school draft picks. Little about him resembled an 18-year-old, from his strong, athletic frame to his advanced pitchability and poise on the mound. His fastball sits at 91-95 mph and he fills up the strike zone, projecting to have plus control. His fastball plays up because of its riding life, high spin rate and ability to generate extension out front, allowing him to get swings and misses up in the zone. He throws a slider and a curveball, with his slider the go-to when he's ahead in the count, grading out as an above-average pitch with a chance to tick up. His changeup has a chance to be average or better. He spent time working on his changeup in 2019 and it has a chance to be an average or better pitch.

THE FUTURE: Between his stuff, control and strong, durable frame, Woods Richardson has a chance to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter. He should be in Double-A at some point in 2020 as a 19-year-old, putting himself in position to make his major league debut by age 20 or 21.
Track Record: One of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, Woods-Richardson wowed scouts at showcase events and then gained velocity as a high school senior. The Mets nabbed him at No. 48 overall as the 12th prep pitcher drafted. He made an abbreviated debut at two levels of Rookie ball and put up a 26-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He didn't turn 18 until a month after his season ended.

Scouting Report: Tall, athletic and broad shouldered, Woods-Richardson is a prototype fireballing Texas high school pitching prospect. What sets him apart is his fiery, almost angry, mound demeanor and "now"stuff. He topped out at 97 mph and sat 93 from an overhand arm slot. His fastball plays up thanks to a high spin rate and plus extension. Woods-Richardson has advanced feel for a plus 12-to-6 curveball with tight break that sits in the mid-to-high 70s. He also uses a fringe mid-80s changeup that shows promising fade and average potential.

The Future: Woods-Richardson clearly has the raw stuff to impact games in the big leagues--if he can navigate the long, perilous journey high school pitchers face in pro ball. An assignment to short-season Brooklyn is probable for 2019.

Draft Prospects

One of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, Woods-Richardson is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound righthander out of Texas who impressed scouts at multiple summer showcase events last year. At both the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif., and Perfect Game's World Wood Bat Association world championships in Jupiter, Fla., during the fall, Woods-Richardson pitched with a low-90s fastball that touched 93 mph at times. He features both a four-seam and two-seam fastball, as well as two breaking balls--one a sweeping slider in the upper 70s and the other a mid-70s curveball with an 11-to-5 shape. He showed the makings of a plus breaking ball at the Area Code Games and even flashed a potential plus changeup during the Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C. After all the flashes of upside over the summer, Woods-Richardson has continued to trend up this spring, with his fastball velocity ticking up. Scouts have noted, however, that he doesn't always hold his velocity into starts as long as they would like to see. As a younger, athletic righthander out of Texas who has trended in the right direction this spring, Woods-Richardson has checked enough boxes on his scouting report to get him drafted quickly in June. If he did make it to campus at Texas, he would be a two-way talent with some impressive raw power with the bat as well.

Minor League Top Prospects

Woods-Richardson’s stay in the South Atlantic League and in the Mets organization ended in late July when he was sent to the Blue Jays in the Marcus Stroman deal. Prior to that, he had caused plenty of managers to scratch their heads because he was an 18-year-old who carried himself and pitched like a much older man. Woods-Richardson seemed nonplussed when he got into a jam, and he has three pitches that he throws with conviction. He also has demonstrated potentially above-average control. He relies heavily on a 12-to-6 power curveball as well as a 91-95 mph fastball. He also shows some feel for his changeup, which could give him three average or better pitches. Woods-Richardson lives up in the strike zone. He can work to both sides of the plate, but he catches too much of the middle of the plate at times. As young as he is, Woods-Richardson is physically mature. He projects as a future No. 3 starter.

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

Rated Best Control in the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020

Scouting Reports

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium

Track Record: Before he ever made it out of Double-A, Woods Richardson had twice been traded for a big league starting pitcher. The Mets drafted him in the second round in 2018, then traded him to the Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman in 2019. The Twins picked him up in 2021 along with Austin Martin for Jose Berrios. Woods Richardson missed roughly a month of the 2022 season on the Covid injured list, but he returned in mid July and made his MLB debut for the Twins in the final week of the regular season with a start against the Tigers.

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson's stuff and success varies from outing to outing. Seen on the right day, he'll locate a fringe-average 92-94 mph fastball that can touch 95-96, and he'll mix in three solid secondaries consisting of slider, curveball and changeup. On other days, Woods Richardson sits 90-92 mph with less consistent offspeed pitches and scattershot control. The tricky part is separating how much of his success is based around the same delivery issues that lead to his inconsistency. He isn't direct to the plate with his delivery, but that helps add deception to an assortment of pitches that otherwise are fairly generic. Woods Richardson has a high over-the-top release point, so he generally works up and down in the strike zone, which also helps his average curveball play. His fringe-average low-80s slider gives hitters something different to worry about. His above-average changeup is more consistent.

The Future: Because he was drafted as a 17-year-old, Woods Richardson won't turn 23 until the very end of the 2023 season. He's not a finished product, and if he can improve his velocity as well as the movement on his slider and his control, he has the ability to be a No. 4 starter.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball 50. Slider: 45. Changeup: 55. Control: 50
BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium

Track Record: Before he ever made it out of Double-A, Woods Richardson had twice been traded for a big league starting pitcher. The Mets drafted him in the second round in 2018, then traded him to the Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman in 2019. The Twins picked him up in 2021 along with Austin Martin for Jose Berrios. Woods Richardson missed roughly a month of the 2022 season on the Covid injured list, but he returned in mid July and made his MLB debut for the Twins in the final week of the regular season with a start against the Tigers.

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson's stuff and success varies from outing to outing. Seen on the right day, he'll locate a fringe-average 92-94 mph fastball that can touch 95-96, and he'll mix in three solid secondaries consisting of slider, curveball and changeup. On other days, Woods Richardson sits 90-92 mph with less consistent offspeed pitches and scattershot control. The tricky part is separating how much of his success is based around the same delivery issues that lead to his inconsistency. He isn't direct to the plate with his delivery, but that helps add deception to an assortment of pitches that otherwise are fairly generic. Woods Richardson has a high over-the-top release point, so he generally works up and down in the strike zone, which also helps his average curveball play. His fringe-average low-80s slider gives hitters something different to worry about. His above-average changeup is more consistent.

The Future: Because he was drafted as a 17-year-old, Woods Richardson won't turn 23 until the very end of the 2023 season. He's not a finished product, and if he can improve his velocity as well as the movement on his slider and his control, he has the ability to be a No. 4 starter.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball 50. Slider: 45. Changeup: 55. Control: 50
BA Grade: 50/High

Track Record:: One of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, Woods Richardson signed for $1.85 million as the No. 48 overall pick. He has already been traded twice in his career. The Mets sent him to the Blue Jays in a package for Marcus Stroman and the Blue Jays then traded him to the Twins in 2021, along with Austin Martin, for righthander Jose Berrios.

Scouting Report: A Top 100 prospect entering the 2021 season, Woods Richardson struggled in his first stint in the upper minors, posting a 5.91 ERA between Double-A New Hampshire and Wichita. He throws from a high arm slot that offers some deception, but his delivery has been described as mechanical and stiff at times, and his arm can be late at foot strike. Woods Richardson has been an impressive strike thrower despite that in the past, though his walk rate ballooned this year to a career-worst 5.7 BB/9 mark. His fastball sits in the low 90s and will touch 95 mph at peak, but it&#39s not an overpowering pitch. It has cut action that allows it to tunnel nicely with an arm side fading changeup around 80 mph that earns plenty of plus grades and is one of the best in the Minnesota system. He also throws a steep, downer, mid-70s curveball and a slider (mostly to righties) a few ticks harder. Woods Richardson shows feel to land his breaking stuff and both have solid movement, but hitters have managed to track them well.

The Future: Woods Richardson profiles as a back-end starter at best who succeeds with precision and deception—as well as an out-pitch changeup—though some scouts think he&#39d be best served in a multi-inning relief role.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Curveball: 55. Slider: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 60
Track Record: One of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, Woods Richardson signed for $1.85 million as the No. 48 overall pick. He has already been traded twice in his career. The Mets sent him to the Blue Jays in a package for Marcus Stroman and the Blue Jays then traded him to the Twins in 2021, along with Austin Martin, for righthander Jose Berrios.

Scouting Report: A Top 100 prospect entering the 2021 season, Woods Richardson struggled in his first stint in the upper minors, posting a 5.91 ERA between Double-A New Hampshire and Wichita. He throws from a high arm slot that offers some deception, but his delivery has been described as mechanical and stiff at times, and his arm can be late at foot strike. Woods Richardson has been an impressive strike thrower despite that in the past, though his walk rate ballooned this year to a career-worst 5.7 BB/9 mark. His fastball sits in the low 90s and will touch 95 mph at peak, but it’s not an overpowering pitch. It has cut action that allows it to tunnel nicely with an arm side fading changeup around 80 mph that earns plenty of plus grades and is one of the best in the Minnesota system. He also throws a steep, downer, mid-70s curveball and a slider (mostly to righties) a few ticks harder. Woods Richardson shows feel to land his breaking stuff and both have solid movement, but hitters have managed to track them well.

The Future: Woods Richardson profiles as a back-end starter at best who succeeds with precision and deception—as well as an out-pitch changeup—though some scouts think he’d be best served in a multi-inning relief role.
Originally acquired from the Mets in the Marcus Stroman trade, Woods Richardson began the season as a Top 100 prospect but struggled to a 2-4, 5.76 mark at Double-A New Hampshire, albeit as one of the youngest pitchers in the league. He has a strong, physical build and a well-rounded three-pitch mix. His fastball ranges from 90-93 mph, his 76-79 mph curveball is a potential plus pitch with great depth and his 79-81 mph changeup flashes average. Woods Richardson has a stiff, mechanical delivery that affects his control and he doesn't much deception, allowing hitters to see the ball well. Some feel adjustments to his lower half will help him unlock his athleticism and improve his stuff and command. Woods Richardson has the potential to be a back-of-the-rotation starter in the eyes of those most bullish on him, but others are skeptical his stuff will play multiple times through an order against major league hitters and think he'll end up a 2-3 inning reliever who doesn't face the same hitter twice.
Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 60.
Track Record: Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, playing his first season at 17 after signing for $1.85 million as the No. 48 overall pick. One year later, the Mets traded him and lefthander Anthony Kay to the Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman. He spent 2020 at the alternate site in Rochester.

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson has a strong, powerful build and exceptional polish for his age. He reached high Class A Dunedin in 2019 as a 19-year-old. His athleticism helps him repeat his delivery consistently and locate his fastball to all quadrants of the strike zone, with a chance for plus or better control. He gets good extension out front on his 91-95 mph fastball which has late, riding life when he pitches up in the zone. He mixes and matches three secondary pitches to miss bats, including a tick above-average slider and a deceptive changeup that improved in 2020 to become a plus pitch. Woods Richardson also throws an average curveball, though he goes to his slider more with two strikes.

The Future: Woods Richardson is advanced enough to start 2021 in Double-A, with a chance to get to Toronto by the end of the year. He has the mix of stuff and control to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter.
Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 60. Control: 60.
Track Record: Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in the 2018 draft class, playing his first season at 17 after signing for $1.85 million as the No. 48 overall pick. One year later, the Mets traded him and lefthander Anthony Kay to the Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman. He spent 2020 at the alternate site in Rochester.

Scouting Report: Woods Richardson has a strong, powerful build and exceptional polish for his age. He reached high Class A Dunedin in 2019 as a 19-year-old. His athleticism helps him repeat his delivery consistently and locate his fastball to all quadrants of the strike zone, with a chance for plus or better control. He gets good extension out front on his 91-95 mph fastball which has late, riding life when he pitches up in the zone. He mixes and matches three secondary pitches to miss bats, including a tick above-average slider and a deceptive changeup that improved in 2020 to become a plus pitch. Woods Richardson also throws an average curveball, though he goes to his slider more with two strikes.

The Future: Woods Richardson is advanced enough to start 2021 in Double-A, with a chance to get to Toronto by the end of the year. He has the mix of stuff and control to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter.
TRACK RECORD: Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in the 2018 draft when he signed with the Mets as the 48th overall pick. One year later, he was the key prospect the Mets sent to Toronto in the Marcus Stroman deal and finished the year with a strong showing at high Class A.

SCOUTING REPORT: Woods Richardson posted a sparkling K/BB ratio in his first full season, especially for a pitcher who is the same age as many 2019 high school draft picks. Little about him resembled an 18-year-old, from his strong, athletic frame to his advanced pitchability and poise on the mound. His fastball sits at 91-95 mph and he fills up the strike zone, projecting to have plus control. His fastball plays up because of its riding life, high spin rate and ability to generate extension out front, allowing him to get swings and misses up in the zone. He throws a slider and a curveball, with his slider the go-to when he’s ahead in the count, grading out as an above-average pitch with a chance to tick up. His changeup has a chance to be average or better. He spent time working on his changeup in 2019 and it has a chance to be an average or better pitch.

THE FUTURE: Between his stuff, control and strong, durable frame, Woods Richardson has a chance to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter. He should be in Double-A at some point in 2020 as a 19-year-old, putting himself in position to make his major league debut by age 20 or 21.
TRACK RECORD: Woods Richardson was one of the youngest players in the 2018 draft when he signed with the Mets as the 48th overall pick. One year later, he was the key prospect the Mets sent to Toronto in the Marcus Stroman deal and finished the year with a strong showing at high Class A.

SCOUTING REPORT: Woods Richardson posted a sparkling K/BB ratio in his first full season, especially for a pitcher who is the same age as many 2019 high school draft picks. Little about him resembled an 18-year-old, from his strong, athletic frame to his advanced pitchability and poise on the mound. His fastball sits at 91-95 mph and he fills up the strike zone, projecting to have plus control. His fastball plays up because of its riding life, high spin rate and ability to generate extension out front, allowing him to get swings and misses up in the zone. He throws a slider and a curveball, with his slider the go-to when he's ahead in the count, grading out as an above-average pitch with a chance to tick up. His changeup has a chance to be average or better. He spent time working on his changeup in 2019 and it has a chance to be an average or better pitch.

THE FUTURE: Between his stuff, control and strong, durable frame, Woods Richardson has a chance to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter. He should be in Double-A at some point in 2020 as a 19-year-old, putting himself in position to make his major league debut by age 20 or 21.
Woods-Richardson’s stay in the South Atlantic League and in the Mets organization ended in late July when he was sent to the Blue Jays in the Marcus Stroman deal. Prior to that, he had caused plenty of managers to scratch their heads because he was an 18-year-old who carried himself and pitched like a much older man. Woods-Richardson seemed nonplussed when he got into a jam, and he has three pitches that he throws with conviction. He also has demonstrated potentially above-average control. He relies heavily on a 12-to-6 power curveball as well as a 91-95 mph fastball. He also shows some feel for his changeup, which could give him three average or better pitches. Woods-Richardson lives up in the strike zone. He can work to both sides of the plate, but he catches too much of the middle of the plate at times. As young as he is, Woods-Richardson is physically mature. He projects as a future No. 3 starter.