The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant roster adjustment, outrighting relief pitcher Yariel Rodriguez to the minor leagues. The move, confirmed on Saturday, December 6, 2025, sees the 28-year-old Cuban right-hander removed from the team's 40-man roster after he went unclaimed by the other 29 Major League Baseball clubs.
A High-Priced Gamble Falters
This development marks a stark turn for a player who was once a major international signing for the franchise. Just two years ago, prior to the 2024 season, the Blue Jays inked Rodriguez to a five-year contract worth $32 million US, with hopes he could develop into a reliable starting pitcher. The transition to North American baseball, however, has not gone as planned. Rodriguez made 22 appearances as a starter but failed to secure a permanent role in the rotation, leading the team to shift him to a bullpen and swing role.
The 2025 Season: A Tale of Two Halves
Rodriguez's most recent season was a story of peaks and valleys. For much of the early campaign, particularly in May and June, he emerged as a trusted late-inning option for manager John Schneider. His effectiveness during that stretch made him a key part of the bullpen puzzle. However, his performance declined sharply as the season progressed. A noticeable dip in his pitching velocity contributed to a loss of effectiveness, ultimately resulting in his omission from the team's World Series roster.
His final stat line for the 2025 season showed a 3.08 earned run average (ERA) across 73 innings of work, spread over 66 appearances.
Financial and Roster Implications
The financial commitment remaining on Rodriguez's contract played a major role in him clearing waivers. He is still owed $5 million for the 2026 season and $6 million in 2027, a sum no other team was willing to assume. By outrighting him, the Blue Jays retain his rights, but he is no longer counted against their 40-man roster limit.
This roster flexibility is crucial for General Manager Ross Atkins as the offseason heats up. With the Winter Meetings set to begin in Orlando, Florida, the Jays are actively seeking to upgrade their bullpen with a high-leverage reliever and add an impact bat to their lineup. The open spot creates valuable room for such maneuvers. The move may also be connected to the pending official announcement of a three-year deal with starting pitcher Cody Ponce.
While his future with the organization is now uncertain, Yariel Rodriguez's journey with the Blue Jays serves as a reminder of the high-risk, high-reward nature of international free agency. He will need to work his way back to the majors from the minors, a surprising destination for a player once seen as a cornerstone acquisition.
