TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays signed Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez to a five-year contract for $32 million on Friday.
of 2022, Rodríguez, a 26-year-old right-hander, pitched 56 bullpen appearances for the Chunichi Dragons of Japan’s Central League, with a 6-2 record and 1.15 ERA. He struck out 60 and walked 18 in 54 2/3 innings.
He recorded a 2.45 ERA over 7 1/3 innings for Japan in last year’s World Baseball Classic before sitting out the season to prepare to join Major League Baseball as a free agent.
Rodríguez was 10-10 with a 3.03 ERA and six saves over three seasons with the Dragons.
“Yariel brings a diverse arsenal, impressive athleticism, and ability to get 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 a chance to impact our major-league team in multiple roles.
Utilityman Otto Lopez was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.
