Report: Blue Jays agree to deal with Yariel Rodríguez
The Toronto Blue Jays and Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodríguez are in agreement on a contract, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
The deal is pending a physical and Rodríguez also still faces hurdles regarding his immigration status, Rosenthal adds.
The length of the contract and financial terms haven't been reported.
Rodríguez spent three seasons with Nippon Professional Baseball's Chunichi Dragons from 2020-22, 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 1.15 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts across 54 2/3 innings.
Rodríguez started for Cuba at last year's World Baseball Classic and didn't return to the Dragons for the 2023 campaign.
He posted a 2.45 ERA with 10 strikeouts and six walks over 7 1/3 innings during two starts for Cuba.
Yariel Rodríguez WBC highlights for your viewing pleasure, Blue Jays fans. pic.twitter.com/P89OaQIC9i
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) January 17, 2024
Rodríguez could emerge as a possible depth starter for the Blue Jays behind Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, José Berríos, Yusei Kikuchi, and Alek Manoah.