The Toronto Blue Jays may not have landed Shohei Ohtani, but their commitment to building a competitive roster for the 2024 season is evident.
As reported by Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Blue Jays have reached a deal with Cuban standout Yariel Rodriguez. While the financial details remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that Rodriguez will secure a multiyear contract.
Notably, Toronto intends to deploy Rodriguez as a starter, a departure from the perception by many teams during free agency that saw him as a reliever. The Blue Jays’ openness to utilizing him in the rotation likely played a crucial role in finalizing the agreement.
Despite this, the Blue Jays are approaching Rodriguez’s integration into the team with caution, planning to take it slow throughout the 2024 season. Discussions have revolved around a potential hybrid role, incorporating both starter and reliever duties, according to Morosi. Rodriguez, who hasn’t pitched since his impressive performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, remains a player of great interest.
During the WBC, Rodriguez demonstrated his prowess with a 2.45 ERA and a 10/6 K/BB ratio over two starts representing Cuba. Following the tournament, instead of returning to the Chunichi Dragons of NPB, the right-hander opted to explore MLB free agency. His three-year stint with the Dragons showcased a 10-10 record, featuring a 3.03 ERA and an impressive 188/77 K/BB ratio.