TORONTO — The Blue Jays have agreed to a multi-year contract with Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, MLB Network Insider John Morosi reported Wednesday, in the biggest move of an offseason that has been slow to unfold. becomes.
The agreement was first reported by Francis Romero, but has not yet been confirmed by the club.
Rodriguez is one of the biggest mysteries on this market, and while he has made quite a profit from his pitching days in Cuba and Japan, he has not pitched in a game since the 2023 World Baseball Classic in March. After this incident, Rodriguez did not return to Japan’s professional team, the Chunichi Dragons, and was later declared an MLB free agent, allowing him to sign a contract at the ripe old age of 27.
Rodriguez started two games for Cuba in the Classic, pitching 7 1/3 innings, posting a 2.45 ERA with 10 strikeouts and six walks, and his performance in the second half of the year has generated even more buzz about the right-hander. His raw talent, led by a 96 mph fastball and extensive repertoire, inspires optimism, but his role in the major leagues is less certain.
After serving as a starting pitcher in Cuba and pitching in Camaguey, Las Tunas, and Sancti Spiritas, Rodríguez was eventually transferred to Japan’s bullpen. As a full-time relief pitcher in 2022, Rodriguez posted a 1.15 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings. He is a logical fit as a versatile swingman in Toronto, especially considering the structure of the Blue Jays’ roster.
Toronto’s starting rotation includes Kevin Guzman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, and Yusei Kikuchi, with Alec Manoah on the inside track at the No. 5 position as he looks to bounce back from a disastrous 2023 season. is in charge of But the depth behind that group is thin, leaving room for Rodriguez to increase his workload after a year away from pitching in games. Kikuchi is in his final year as club manager, with No. 1 prospect Ricky Tiedemann leading the Triple-A depth.
However, there are still many unknowns, and much will be developed as camp unfolds in February and March in Dunedin, Florida.For a club with very little roster competition heading into spring training, Rodriguez immediately ranks on the short list of must-watch stories starting just four weeks from now
