Article content

In the never-ending search for high-end pitching depth, the Blue Jays appear to be closing in on an intriguing and potentially impactful acquisition.

Article content

Multiple reports on Wednesday have the team reaching agreement on a four-year, $32 million US deal with Cuban right hander Yariel Rodriguez.

Article content

The deal, which would be pending the 26-year-old passing a physical, was not immediately confirmed by the team. But if and when it comes to fruition, the Jays will have an electric thrower, who could be a candidate as a depth starter or as a strong option out of the bullpen.

After pitching in pro ball in his native Cuba from 2015-2019, Rodriguez moved to Japan where he played for the Chunichi Dragons through 2022.

In his most recent season in Japan, Rodriguez appeared in 56 games with an impressively skimpy ERA of 1.15 as a valued arm out of the bullpen.

His last competitive work came in the 2023 World Baseball Classic where Rodriguez started a pair of games and put up an ERA of 2.45.

Article content

The potential deal certainly comes with some risk for the Jays given that Rodriguez hasn’t pitched professionally in more than a year. He has been actively working out for scouts in the Dominican Republic, however, and reportedly had several potential suitors other than the Jays.

As for a role with the Jays, that would likely sort itself out when pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Florida in fewer than four weeks. His past workload projects more as a reliever, but the fact that he has had some success as a starter during his days in Cuban pro ball could supply some rotation depth on the roster, a luxury that was absent last season for manager John Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker.

It’s possible that Rodriguez could begin in the bullpen and be stretched out as the season unfolds and if his play dictates it. At the least, he would be potential insurance should Alek Manoah’s comeback fall short.

The deal was first reported by MLB’s Francys Romero, who said Rodriguez is expected to undergo a physical with the Jays in the next couple of days.

Share this article in your social network