Yariel Rodríguez, 26, is a right-handed pitcher who was signed by the Blue Jays to a five-year, $32 million contract
on Friday morning
175.1 innings with a 3.03 ERA, 25.4 K%, and 10.4 BB%. In 2022, his last season in the National Baseball Association,
he moved to the bullpen and finished with a 1.15 ERA, 27.5 K%, and 8.3 BB% in 54.2 innings worked.
The Cuban pitcher has not appeared in a game since the World Baseball Classic, when he pitched 7.1 innings and
recorded a 2.45 ERA, 10 strikeouts, and 6 walks. The Blue Jays are expected to attempt to stretch out Rodríguez this
season, with the goal of having him start at full time in 2025. At least that’s the plan, but even so, $6.4 million a
season for a pitcher with a fastball in the mid-90s, a fantastic slider, and a developing splitter is a lot of money.
The Blue Jays have assigned Otto López to an assignment in order to make way for Rodríguez. The 25-year-old
utility player was formerly rated as one of the top 10 Blue Jays prospects. In 391 plate appearances in Triple-A during
the 2022 season, he slashed.297/.378/.415 with three home runs.
Sadly, Lopez’s 2023 performance with the Buffalo Bisons saw him just slash.258/.313/.343 with two home runs in
346 plate appearances for a 65 wRC+, by far the lowest total of his career. Due to a string of injuries in 2023, the
Jays decided to send him to the Dominican Winter League.
two home runs and a 6.4 BB% and 13.8 K%. It’s a 50/50 possibility, in my opinion, that López is claimed off waivers.
Though a trade would also be acceptable, it is hoped that the Jays will recognize that they must remain active during
free agency and sign either Cody Bellinger or Matt Chapman.
