EFE (via 14ymedio) Madrid, January 18, 2024: After competing in the most recent World Baseball Classic, right-hander Yariel
Rodríguez signed a contract to play Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The official website MLB.com stated on Wednesday that the 27-year-old “flamethrower” had been hired in a multi-year contract whose
exact value has not yet been disclosed.
After wrapping up his World Baseball Classic performance with the Cuban squad, Rodríguez proceeded to the Dominican Republic,
where he is currently awaiting the permits necessary to enter the United States and Canada.
In 7.1 innings, with 10 strikeouts, the new Blue Jays pitcher lead the Antilles’ rotation in the World Classic. He finished with a score of
0-0 and a 2.45 percentage of clean runs allowed.
Following his performance, Rodríguez abandoned his plans to visit Japan and instead headed to the Dominican Republic to test out
for Major League teams. He had been signed to support the Dragons of Chunichi in the Professional League of Japan (NPB).
After Rodríguez made that decision, the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) announced that it will sue him for ten million dollars for
allegedly causing damages by breaking his contract with the Chunichi Dragons, which gave him the opportunity to be a free agent.
During the 2022 season, Rodríguez pitched in Japan and recorded a 1.15 % of clean run allowed in 54.2 innings while striking out 60
batters. Rodríguez struck out 395 hitters in the National Series of Cuba, finishing with a record of 32-30, six saves, and a 3.50 % of
clean runs allowed.
Rodríguez can toss a changeup, curve, and slider in addition to his powerful fastball, which reaches speeds of over 95 mph. With Kevin
Gausman leading the Blue Jays’ rotation, Rodríguez will get the chance to play with Puerto Rican José Berríos.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
