Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez and Toronto Blue Jays finalize a $32 million, 5-year contract
TORONTO—Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a five-year, $32 million contract Friday.
Rodríguez, a 26-year-old right-hander, was 6-2 with a 1.15 ERA in 56 relief appearances in 2022 with the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League.
He had 60 strikeouts and 18 walks in 54 2/3 innings. He posted a 2.45 ERA in 7 1/3 innings during last year’s World Baseball Classic for Japan, then missed the season in anticipation of joining Major League Baseball as an agent free.
Rodríguez was 10-10 with a 3.03 ERA and six saves in three seasons with the Dragons. “Yariel brings a diverse arsenal, impressive athleticism and the ability to swing and miss to our team,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement.
“He adds starting depth to our pitching group and has the opportunity to impact our Major League team in multiple roles.Utilityman Otto Lopez has been designated for assignment to open a roster spot.
Toronto Blue Jays All-Star, Gold Glover defeats team in arbitration hearing Toronto Blue Jays All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defeated the team in the arbitration hearing.
As a result, he will be paid nearly $20 million for the 2024 season, while the Jays would have liked to pay him around $18 million. Toronto Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will win nearly $20 million in arbitration this season after defeating the team in court.
By Shi Dividei from Sportsnet:Source Says Arbitrators Rule in Favor of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He Will Make $19.9 Million From Blue Jays This Season
The Jays wanted to pay the slugger just over $18 million, so this is a significant win for Guerrero Jr. It was never considered a good thing for a player and team to go to trial, so we will see how this plays out and affects the relationship between the two parties moving forward.
Guerrero Jr. must go through arbitration again next offseason and will be a free agent after the 2025 season.
Will this situation, like that of other players in the past, be remembered negatively when he will it involve negotiating a possible long-term agreement ?
Despite the victory on the field, Guerrero had a relatively difficult year in Toronto, where he posted a .264 batting average with 26 home runs. However, he remains one of the most productive hitters in baseball.
After making his debut in 2016, he is a lifetime .279 hitter with 130 home runs. He led the league in home runs during the 2021 season. In five years, he is already a three-time All-Star, Home Run Derby and Gold Glover champion.
