Report: Yariel Rodriguez and the Blue Jays reach a multi-year contract.
The news that the two parties were reaching a settlement was initially reported by Francys Romero.
After pitching for Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball for three years in a row, Rodriguez, 27, missed the previous season due to injury. In November, the Dragons let him go.
He pitched 54 and 2/3 innings with a 1.15 ERA in 2022, his final complete season in Japan, using just relief tactics. During that span, he maintained a 0.915 WHIP and struck out 60 hitters.
In his native Cuba, Rodriguez threw for the Ganaderos de Camaguey prior to his stay in Japan.
During the 2022 World Baseball Classic, he also pitched for the Cuban national team, recording two starts with a 2.45 ERA and ten strikeouts in 7.1 innings.
The arrival of outfielder Junior Arias and catcher Franklin Rojas is the most notable move made by the Blue Jays thus far during the international signing window.
The Blue Jays would, however, immediately benefit from the signing of an older, more seasoned veteran like Rodriguez, who could be used as a depth starter or as a long reliever in the bullpen.
The previous season, despite starter Alek Manoah having a rough year, the Blue Jays’ rotation placed third in the majors with a 3.85 ERA.