Blue Jays release $32 million 3.08 ERA pitcher in surprising roster move

Matt Sullivan

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Blue Jays release $32 million 3.08 ERA pitcher in surprising roster move image

The Toronto Blue Jays are acting as big spenders this winter, signing Dylan Cease to a $210 million deal and Cody Ponce to a $30 million deal. But those are just the first moves of a busy winter, with Toronto linked to Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, among others.

But, with a clear interest in adding talent this winter, trading players away for prospect hauls isn't expected, especially if that player can help in 2026. Outright releasing someone is even more unlikely.

And yet, according to Francys Romero of Beisbolfr.com, the Blue Jays are designating for assignment a reliever on a $32 million deal who just threw 73 innings with a 3.08 ERA in 2025 for Toronto. Yariel Rodriguez, just two years into his big deal, was released.

Blue Jays make surprising release of $32 million reliever

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

This is a surprising move for the Blue Jays to make. Not only is cutting ties with a player not expected for Toronto this offseason amid a major spending spree, but for it to be a valuable pitcher who contributed in a big way in 2025 is a big surprise.

Rodriguez was signed to a five-year, $32 million deal in 2024 that carries through the 2028 season with a player option that year. He pitched in two seasons for Toronto, and now he's a free agent after the Blue Jays released him.

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Rodriguez, in 2025 for the Blue Jays, had a 3.08 ERA across 66 appearances and 73 innings pitched. His 66 strikeouts to 34 walks wasn't the best ratio, but he was overall an effective pitcher out of the bullpen for Toronto.

In the postseason, Rodriguez had a 10.13 ERA in four appearances across 2.2 innings pitched. He wasn't great, but his overall contributions for the year were positive, as he finished with 1.4 bWAR.

But, despite his production for Toronto and being under club control for the next two years, the Blue Jays are designating the 28-year-old pitcher for assignment.

The Blue Jays have been strongly linked to additions this winter, but this move is an unexpected release of an expensive reliever who was a big contributor in 2025.

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Staff Writer