Report: Blue Jays optimistic about landing Yariel Rodríguez
The Toronto Blue Jays are optimistic about their chances of signing free-agent right-hander Yariel Rodríguez, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
The Blue Jays have been unable to complete an agreement thus far because of hurdles in Rodríguez's immigration, Rosenthal adds.
Rodríguez spent three seasons with Nippon Professional Baseball's Chunichi Dragons from 2020-2022, where the 26-year-old emerged as an excellent reliever. His best season came in 2022, when he posted a 6-2 record with a sparkling 1.15 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts across 54 2/3 innings for the Dragons.
Rodríguez started for Cuba at last year's World Baseball Classic and didn't return to the Dragons for the 2023 campaign.
He could emerge as a possible depth starter for the Blue Jays behind Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, José Berríos, Yusei Kikuchi, and Alek Manoah.
Toronto's starting pitchers finished the 2023 season in the top 10 in ERA, fWAR, K/9, and FIP.