Simeon Woods Richardson is a promising young pitcher in Major League Baseball, known for his talent and rapid ascent through the professional ranks. He has already been a part of two significant trades involving major league all-stars, highlighting his value as a prospect. Woods Richardson also gained international recognition as a member of the silver medal-winning United States Olympic baseball team. His journey is marked by his impressive skills on the mound, his resilience in overcoming challenges, and his potential to become a key player for the Minnesota Twins.
Simeon Woods Richardson Overview
| Full Name | Simeon Woods Richardson |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Birthplace | Sugar Land, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (190 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Team | Minnesota Twins |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $1.86 million |
| Parents | Wendy Woods and Arthur Woods (step-father), Joel Richardson (father) |
Early Life and Education of Simeon Woods Richardson
Simeon Woods Richardson was born in Sugar Land, Texas, where he spent his formative years. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in baseball, a passion that was nurtured by his family. His father, Joel Richardson, played college baseball and had a brief stint in the Seattle Mariners’ minor league system. This athletic background undoubtedly influenced Simeon’s path. His step-father, Arthur Woods, was an All-American college football player, further embedding sports in the family’s culture.
Woods Richardson’s childhood was also marked by a significant health challenge. He suffered from chronic asthma and eczema, which led to frequent hospital visits before his third birthday. His mother, Wendy, was advised by a doctor that exercising his lungs would be beneficial. Consequently, she enrolled him in tee-ball at the age of three, a decision that would shape his future.
He attended Kempner High School in Sugar Land, where he was a standout player. Initially a 5’6″ second baseman, he experienced a significant growth spurt, growing ten inches by his senior year to become a formidable 6’4″ two-way player. His fastball velocity increased dramatically during this time as well. By his senior year, he was a highly-touted prospect, recognized as one of the top right-handed pitchers in Texas and the nation. Despite a strong commitment to play college baseball for the University of Texas at Austin, he opted to turn professional after being drafted.
Simeon Woods Richardson’s Career
The Draft and Early Minor League Career
The New York Mets selected Simeon Woods Richardson in the second round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft with the 48th overall pick. He signed with the Mets, receiving a $1.85 million signing bonus, and began his professional journey in their minor league system. He started with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Mets and was later promoted to the Kingsport Mets. In his debut season, he posted impressive numbers, showcasing his potential.
Trades and Continued Development
In July 2019, Woods Richardson was a key piece in a major trade. The Mets sent him and pitcher Anthony Kay to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for All-Star pitcher Marcus Stroman. This move indicated how highly he was valued as a prospect. With the Blue Jays organization, he continued to develop, playing for their Advanced-A affiliate, the Dunedin Blue Jays. He was the youngest pitcher in the Florida State League at the time.
His journey took another turn in July 2021 when he was traded again, this time to the Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays sent Woods Richardson and Austin Martin to the Twins for pitcher José Berríos. This trade occurred while he was in Tokyo for the Olympics. Upon joining the Twins organization, he was assigned to the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge and was later promoted to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.
Major League Debut and MLB Career
Simeon Woods Richardson made his much-anticipated Major League Baseball debut for the Minnesota Twins on October 2, 2022. In his first start against the Detroit Tigers, he pitched five innings. Upon his debut, he held the distinction of having the longest last name in MLB history at 15 characters, a record that has since been surpassed. He has since become a regular in the Twins’ starting rotation, known for his poise and a pitching arsenal that includes a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, and a highly effective changeup. He has had several notable performances, including a career-high 11 strikeouts in a game against the New York Yankees.
International Career
Woods Richardson’s career also includes a significant international achievement. In 2021, he was named to the United States national baseball team for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He was part of the team that won a silver medal, adding a prestigious honor to his burgeoning career.
Simeon Woods Richardson Personal Life & Family
Simeon Woods Richardson comes from an athletic family. His father, Joel Richardson, played college and minor league baseball, and his step-father, Arthur Woods, was a college football All-American. He is the son of Wendy Woods and has two step-sisters. He has expressed that he is a private person, and not much is publicly known about his current relationship status. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, fishing, and drawing.
Awards and Achievements of Simeon Woods Richardson
2020 Tokyo Olympics Silver Medalist (Team USA)
Texas League Pitcher of the Month (April 2022)
Named to the All-Star Futures Game (2019)
Simeon Woods Richardson Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Simeon Woods Richardson’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.86 million. His primary source of income is his salary from Major League Baseball. He signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins for the 2025 season worth $768,250. His career earnings are supplemented by the signing bonus he received when he was drafted.
Legacy and Influence
Though still early in his career, Simeon Woods Richardson is already making a name for himself as a talented and resilient pitcher. He is viewed as a key part of the Minnesota Twins’ future. Off the field, he has participated in team events like TwinsFest, engaging with the community. As an African-American player in a sport that has seen a decline in representation, he serves as an inspiration for young, aspiring baseball players.
Interesting Facts about Simeon Woods Richardson
He started playing tee-ball at the age of three to help with his asthma.
He was a two-way player in high school, excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter.
He was traded for two different All-Star pitchers (Marcus Stroman and José Berríos) before making his MLB debut.
For a time, he held the record for the longest last name in MLB history.
His hobbies include drawing landscapes and portraits, as well as cooking.
He wears the number 24 in honor of Ken Griffey Jr. and Kobe Bryant.
Social Media Presence
Simeon Woods Richardson maintains a presence on social media, where he shares glimpses into his life both on and off the baseball field.
Instagram: @simeon_woods10
* Twitter (X): @simeon_woods
Final Words about Simeon Woods Richardson
Simeon Woods Richardson’s journey to the major leagues has been anything but ordinary. From overcoming health issues as a child to being a central figure in two major trades, he has demonstrated a maturity and resilience that belie his age. Now a fixture in the Minnesota Twins’ rotation, he continues to develop his craft, with the potential to become one of the game’s premier pitchers. His story is one of perseverance, talent, and a bright future in Major League Baseball.
