MLB rumors: Blue Jays seeking outfield assistance following Yoshinobu Yamamoto deal; latest in free agency
Taylor is in communication with the Blue Jays
Michael A. Taylor, a free agent center fielder, is in communication with the Blue Jays, according to MLB.com. Daulton Varsho can play center field, therefore Toronto doesn’t really need a center fielder to replace Kevin Kiermaier. However, the Blue Jays could keep fielding a top-tier outfield defense if they signed Taylor. In 2023, the team’s outfield defense was one of its strong points.
Taylor, 32, blasted 21 home runs with the Twins in the previous season despite having a 33.5% strikeout rate and a.278 on-base percentage. Nevertheless, a center fielder who can play defense and bat for dingers in the No. 9 spot may be tolerated. The drawback for the Blue Jays is that Taylor would add more right-handers to a lineup that is in desperate need of a lefty or two to provide some balance.
Several teams vying for Rodriguez
MLB.com reports that the Astros, Blue Jays, Pirates, and Yankees are among the teams vying for Cuban righty Yariel Rodriguez. The 26-year-old Rodriguez, who had broken his contract with the Chunichi Dragons in Japan, did not pitch in 2023. He has been one of Japan’s best setup men for the past few seasons, posting a 1.15 ERA in 2022 with 60 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings.
In the World Baseball Classic this spring, Rodriguez was Cuba’s ace pitcher, and some believe he can start. With his control problems and lack of a dependable third pitch, Baseball America has stated that he “projects to be a hard-throwing but inconsistent No. 5 starter or seventh-inning setup man”. Rodriguez might sign a three- to four-year contract worth $10 million annually.
Miller signs with the Tigers
According to the Detroit Free Press, righty reliever Shelby Miller has agreed to a one-year deal with the Tigers, which includes a 2025 option. Miller, who is 33 years old, quietly had a great 2023 season with the Dodgers, pitching 42 innings, 42 strikeouts, and 1.71 ERA. After years of control issues as a starting pitcher, he’s found a home in the bullpen. Miller will be a sneaky good late-inning trio in Detroit’s bullpen together with Jason Foley and Alex Lange.