Cuban right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez in agreement on a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Toronto Blue Jays, according to Francys Romero, have landed Cuban right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez (pending a physical). Per Romero, Rodríguez and the Blue Jays have come to an agreement on a contract. He is expected to be in Toronto for a physical in the coming days.

Romero reports the deal is four-years, $32 million.

Rodríguez spent six seasons playing in the Cuban National Series, posting a 3.07 ERA as mainly a starter before transitioning to play in Japan in 2020. During his time in Japan, he transitioned into being predominantly a relief pitcher.

Rodríguez, who in 2020 transitioned into a relief role, came back to pitch as a starter for the Cuban National Team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He struck out 10 batters over the course of 7 1/3 innings pitched. His return to the Cuban National Team was also the end of his tenure playing in Japan, as he did not return to the team he played for. It was later in the year that he was granted release to hold showcases for MLB teams.

James Villani of Metsmerized Online recently did a quick analysis on Rodríguez for Metsmerized.

Rodríguez had ERA’s of 2.90, 2.95, and 1.15 over the course of the last three seasons playing in Japan.

In 2022, Rodríguez threw 54 2/3 innings in the Japan Central League. He allowed just 32 hits and struck out 60. He’s a pitcher who has a slider, curveball, splitter, changeup, and a fastball that sits between 94-to-97 mph, averaging 96.2 mph.

Before the Blue Jays signed Rodriguez, the Mets were a team that was rumored to have an interest in the Cuban righty early in the process. The Rays, Red Sox, Padres, Astros, Pirates, Yankees, and Reds were all teams with interest.

Once the deal is officially finalized, the next question will be, is he going to be a starter or reliever in the major leagues? In his six seasons in Cuba, he was a starter. In the last three seasons in Japan, he came on in relief; in the 2023 WBC, he was a starter. So, what role he will be used in in the major leagues is still to be determined.