Yariel Rodríguez, a Cuban pitcher, and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $32 million, five-year contract.
TORONTO: Yariel Rodríguez, a pitcher from Cuba, and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a $32 million, five-year deal on Friday.
In 2022, Rodríguez, a 26-year-old right-hander, appeared in 56 relief appearances for the Chunichi Dragons of the Central League of Japan, going 6-2 with a 1.15 ERA. Over 54 2/3 innings, he walked 18 and struck out 60.
In the World Baseball Classic the previous year, he pitched for Japan with a 2.45 ERA over 7 1/3 innings. He then sat out the season in order to prepare to join Major League Baseball as a free agent.
Rodríguez spent three seasons with the Dragons, going 10-10 with a 3.03 ERA and recording six saves.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in a release, “Yariel brings a diverse arsenal, impressive athleticism, and ability to get swing and miss to our team.” He gives our pitching staff more starting depth and could play a number of different positions for our major league squad.
Otto Lopez, a utilityman, was assigned to clear a space on the roster.
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