GOOD NEWS: Finally, the Toronto Blue Jays announce a signing….

Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez has finally signed a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, following a protracted wait caused by visa complications. It’s a $32 million contract for five years.

Right-hander Yariel Rodriguez of Cuba has finally signed a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, following a protracted wait. It’s a $32 million contract for five years.

The transaction had been agreed upon for a number of weeks, however the precise terms were unknown. The delay in having it formally signed was due to visa complications, but we have finally arrived.

According to Sportsnet in Canada:Though the money offered indicates that the Jays view Rodriguez as a starter, it is unclear how the Blue Jays will employ Rodriguez. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he started for Team Cuba, although as a reliever, he was successful in the NPB. While considering his next steps in his career, he participated in the NPB in 2022 and did not play in 2023.

With Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Yusei Kikuchi, Jose Berrios, and Alek Manoah, Toronto already has five anticipated starters. Rodriguez might take Manoah’s place if the organization doesn’t think he can recover from a terrible 2023.

Alternatively, the Jays may start him in the minors and develop him there until they feel he is ready to start in the major leagues, as per a prior report.