The Toronto Blue Jays have made a surprising roster decision, designating right-hander Yariel Rodriguez for assignment.

Francys Romero had the information on social media:

The Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodriguez for assignment, per sources.

He posted 1.4 WAR out of the bullpen in 2025 with 73.0 innings, 66 strikeouts, and a 3.08 ERA.

Sportsnet further clarified that he's already been outrighted, meaning that he's cleared waivers already.

About Rodriguez

The 28-year-old Cuba native was a hot commodity on the free agent market when he came to the United States before the 2024 season. Billed as a starting pitcher, he went just 1-8 in 2024 with a 4.47 ERA in 21 starts.

The Blue Jays moved him to the bullpen in 2025, where he performed much better, going 3-2 with a 3.08 ERA in 66 games. He struck out 66 batters in 73.0 innings and helped the Jays reach the World Series.

He was signed to a $32 million deal when he came over and has two years and $11 million guaranteed remaining. He also has a player option after the 2027 season for $6.3 million. 

What happens now

With Rodriguez already clearing waivers, he's off the Blue Jays' 40-man roster. However, he remains in the Toronto organization.

As noted by Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, he can come to spring training and try to win a job. If he fails to do that, he'd be off the 40-man roster and in the minor leagues.

The Blue Jays can also try to trade him if there is a team interested in him, however, Toronto would likely have to pick up a significant portion of the salary.

Could the Jays trade him?

As stated above, they certainly can, and maybe they will at some point during the offseason. Given his starter's background and success as a reliever, he could be desirable to a wide swath of teams.

What this means for Toronto

Well, the Jays didn't need a 40-man roster spot, so it's not quite clear why they did this right now. Perhaps Toronto is preparing for a spending barrage at the winter meetings, which begin on Sunday night. They've been linked to the likes of Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Pete Fairbanks and Edwin Diaz, though they have some new competition for Bichette. 

They've already signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to multi-year deals. By doing that, Toronto has likely forced Jose Berrios to the bullpen. Perhaps that move means that Rodriguez's presence was no longer needed, or there was no longer room for him.

We'll have more out of the Jays plans at the winter meetings all week long here at Blue Jays Roundtable.

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