The Toronto Blue Jays are looking towards the international well to replenish their pitching depth as they are reportedly targeting Cuban starter Yariel Rodriguez according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
According to his report, the team is "optimistic" about landing the righty and has "taken the lead in the bidding" for the free-agent pitcher.
Rodriguez, 27, sat out last season after spending the three years prior pitching for Nippon Professional Baseball's Chunichi Dragons. The Dragons released him in November.
In 2022, his last full season in Japan, he worked entirely as a reliever, delivering 54 and 2/3 innings on the mound with a 1.15 ERA. He struck out 60 batters in that time while maintaining a 0.915 WHIP.
Prior to his time in Japan, Rodriguez pitched in his native Cuba for the Ganaderos de Camaguey.
He has also spent time pitching for the Cuban national team at the World Baseball Classic in 2022, finishing with a 2.45 ERA in two starts, striking out 10 in 7.1 innings.
The Blue Jays have already made a couple of moves in the international signing window, headlined by the additions of outfielder Junior Arias and catcher Franklin Rojas.
However, the addition of an older, more experienced player like Rodriguez would provide more instant impact for the Blue Jays either in the bullpen as a long reliever or a depth starter.
Last season, the Blue Jays' rotation finished third in the majors with a 3.85 ERA despite a turbulent year from starter Alek Manoah.
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