The Toronto Blue Jays signed Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodgriguez to a five-year, $32 million contract. He played three seasons for Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chunichi Dragons before leaving the team for a Major League Baseball contract.
In his final year with Chunichi, he won the NPB Central League’s Most Valuable Setup Pitcher award. Rodriguez had a 6-2 win-loss record and a 1.15 earned run average in 54.2 innings. He struck out 60 batters and had a 0.915 WHIP.
OFFICIAL: We've signed the NPB's Central League Most Valuable Setup Pitcher and Team Cuba starter Yariel Rodríguez to a five-year contract! pic.twitter.com/mAtXzXXoad
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 9, 2024
Before joining Chunichi, he played in the Cuban National Series for Ganaderos de Camaguey, Lenadores de Las Tunas, and Gallos de Sancti Spiritus. He also suited up for the Cuban National Team for the Canadian-American Association.
Yariel Rodgriguez will join a bullpen featuring Tim Mayza, Trevor Richards, Nate Pearson, Jay Jackson, and Genesis Cabrera. Jordan Romano, Jordan Hicks, Erik Swanson, and Yimi Garcia will likely be the closing pitchers.
Rodriguez’s addition had infielder Otto Lopez re-assigned to make way for a spot in the 40-man roster. Aside from Rodriguez, the Blue Jays signed versatile player Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a two-year deal.
They’ve also re-signed four-time Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier to a one-year, $10.5 million contract and Justin Turner to a one-year deal. Meanwhile, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won his arbitration hearing with the Blue Jays, giving him a one-year contract worth $19.9 million.
-Lance Fernandez