Ex-Rancho Cotate star Brandon Morrow, Padres agree to $2.5 million, 1-year deal

SAN DIEGO — Former Rancho Cotate High Schoo star Brandon Morrow and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract, a deal that allows him to earn up to $8 million if he starts regularly next season.

The free agent right hander was 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA in six starts and seven relief appearances for Toronto this year and is 42-43 with a 4.28 ERA in parts of eight big league seasons with Seattle and the Blue Jays.

He can make $5 million in performance bonuses based on starts: $1 million for 12 and each additional four through 28. He also can earn $1 million based on relief appearances: $250,000 each for 40, 50, 60 and 65. Morrow also would get a $500,000 bonus if he is on the active 25-man roster for 168 days or more.

To make room on the 40-man roster after Tuesday's deal, the Padres designated left-hander Juan Oramas for assignment.