The Toronto Blue Jays signed Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez. While terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed, the team didn’t announce the signing either because it’s still pending a physical. The Blue Jays must sort out some issues regarding his immigration.
After playing baseball in Cuba from 2015 to 2019, Rodriguez was associated with the Nippon Professional Baseball’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. However, he joined the Chunichi Dragons in 2020 and finished with a 6-7 record in 81.2 innings.
The Blue Jays and Yariel Rodríguez have agreed in principle on a contract, per @jonmorosi & @francysromeroFR pic.twitter.com/9TPFohhgmn
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 17, 2024
In 2022, Rodgriguez had a 6-2 record and a 1.15 earned run average. He struck out 60 batters and gave up 32 hits in 54.2 innings. He mainly relies on a four-seam fastball and slider to battle batters.
However, Rodriguez did not play for the Dragons in 2023 due to a contract dispute. They didn’t grant him a release, allowing him to sign with an MLB team. The team released him in October, paving the way for his signing with the Blue Jays.
While he has succeeded as a relief pitcher, Rodriguez did start for the Cuban national team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The Blue Jays might give him that opportunity, especially if they have decided that Rodriguez is a better option than the struggling Alek Manoah.
Yariel Rodriguez adds to the Blue Jays’ off-season signings, including Gold Glove-winning center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
The Blue Jays finished the 2023 Major League Baseball season at 89-73. They entered the postseason but were swept by the Minnesota Twins in the American League Wild Card Series.
-Lance Fernandez