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Toronto Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez Makes Important Offseason Decision
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- Toronto Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez Makes Important Offseason Decision
(Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
According to a new report from Francys Romero, Toronto Blue Jays ' right-hander Yariel Rodriguez has made a decision that impacts his offseason and preparation for 2027.
Romero notes that Rodriguez will for the Indios de Mayaguez of the Puerto Rico Winter League as he works back from physical ailments of 2026, including a back issue.
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There's a few interesting things to note here, so let's dive in.
The Yariel Rodriguez file
Still just 29 years old, Rodriguez gained notoriety in the United States after pitching in Japan from 2020-22 and after a solid run with Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
He elected to sit out the professional season in 2023 after the WBC and signed with the Blue Jays as an intriguing international free agent before the 2024 season.
The Blue Jays signed him to a four-year deal with an option for a fifth-year and he's coming up on the final year guaranteed year of that deal.
The right-hander made 21 starts in 2024, but went just 1-8 with a 4.47 ERA, working exclusively as a starter. The Jays moved him to the bullpen in 2025 and he performed much better, going 3-2 with a 3.08 ERA in 66 games. However, the underlying metrics still presented worry and the team removed him from the 40-man roster last offseason.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez (29) pitches in the eighth inning against the Detroit Pistons at Comerica Park. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Though they designated him for assignment, they were able to keep him in the organization and he ultimately made 10 big-league appearances this year, pitching to a 7.71 ERA in just 9.1 innings.
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He also appeared in 13 minor league games this season, going 1-0 with a 2.87 ERA in 15.2 innings. He struck out 26 for Triple-A Buffalo.
About his situation right now
The final guaranteed year of his contract (2027) is worth $8 million. The option for 2028 is an interesting one: Rodriguez has a player option for $6 million, which he can accept. If he declines, the Blue Jays will have a $10 million team option.
What Rodriguez wants to do in the future seems entirely dependent on what happens for him in 2027. If he pitches in the big leagues - and pitches well, he'll stand to make more than $6 million on his next deal. If he remains buried in the minor leagues, he'd likely be smart to accept his end of the option, unless he wants to eschew the money in favor of opportunity.
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And of course, a possible salary cap can change things too.
About the winter ball decision
One Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET hits, the sport is likely to go into a lockout. At that point, the Jays and Rodriguez can have no conversation. He's taking matters into his own hands by playing winter ball, and with no conversation, there can be no restrictions on him. He can do what he feels gives him the best chance to perform in 2027.
