The Toronto Blue Jays are signing one of the top Cuban pitchers. The Blue Jays have agreed on a deal with free agent right-hander Yariel Rodriguez pending immigration issues and a physical. The deal is reported to be four years, $32 million according to Jon Morosi. The team is yet to announce the signing.

The 26-year-old Rodriguez has been one of the top relief pitchers in Japan the last couple of seasons. Rodriguez had a 2.29 ERA with 161 strikeouts in 149 1/3 innings for the Chunichi Dragons from 2021-22. The righty has a slider, curveball, splitter, changeup, and a fastball that sits between 94-to-97 MPH. In addition, Rodriguez did not pitch last season because of contractual problems. He was released by the Dragons in October allowing him to test free agency in the MLB.

While Rodriguez has had a lot of success in the relief role, there have been some talks about being a starter, and the Blue Jays could give him that chance. Rodriguez was Cuba’s ace in the world baseball classic only allowing two runs in two starts with 7 1/3 innings pitched.

Before the Blue Jays signed Rodriguez, The Cuban righty drew strong interest from the Mets early on. The Rays, Astros, Red Sox, Pirates, Yankees, Padres, and Reds were all teams with interest in Rodriguez.

When the deal is official, the Blue Jays will have to decide if Rodriguez will be a starter or a reliever. Rodriguez was a starter while pitching in Cuba for 6 seasons. He was also a reliever the last 3 seasons in Japan.

Rodriguez is one of many international professionals making the switch to the MLB. Notable signings included the 12-year contract of Japanese righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto with the Dodgers, the six-year contract of Korean center fielder Jung-Hoo Lee with the San Francisco Giants, and the Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga who joined the Cubs.

Think you have what it takes to join our team? Inquire here.

Follow Fantom Sports on TikTok!

Subscribe to the Fantom Sports YouTube!