Yariel Rodriguez was one of the biggest wild cards in free agency.
A starter during his time in the Cuban National Series and World Baseball Classic, Rodriguez had become a dominant reliever in Nippon Professional Baseball. He sat out the 2023 season to be released from his contract with the Chunichi Dragons, defecting to the Dominican Republic to establish residency. Rodriguez had several showcases for major league teams in hopes of earning a contract.
That effort has been rewarded. According to Francys Romero, Rodriguez has an agreement with the Blue Jays. He will take his physical in the next few days to make the deal official.
Rodriguez was one of the best relievers in Japan in his final NPB season. He posted a 1.15 ERA and a 0.915 WHiP over his 54.2 innings, striking out 60 batters with 18 walks. That performance captured the attention of major league teams, causing a divide as to whether or not he was viewed as a starter or a reliever. Rodriguez stated that he wanted to start, with teams willing to get that chance to have an advantage.
He has the type of arsenal to be effective in either role. His fastball hit 100 mph in relief but sits in the mid-90s as a starter. As a reliever, Rodriguez typically relied on his mid-90s cutter and a two-plane slider. He also has a changeup which he would likely use more as a starter.
Rodriguez could be exactly what the Blue Jays need. Kevin Gausman is a solid top of the rotation arm and Jose Berrios returned to form last year. Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi both had strong seasons in 2023, but it is fair to wonder if the latter can continue to perform at that level. Alek Manoah was a disaster and may be out of chances. Rodriguez should slot in as a third or fourth starter, a young arm with plenty of upside.
