The Toronto Blue Jays have outrighted right-handed reliever Yariel Rodríguez from their 40-man roster after he cleared waivers unclaimed. The 28-year-old remains in the organization but must earn his way back to the majors. This move opens a roster spot ahead of the MLB Winter Meetings.
Toronto's decision to outright Rodríguez, reported on Saturday, December 6, 2025, caught many by surprise given his solid 2025 performance. The Cuban right-hander posted a 3.08 ERA and 1.151 WHIP over 73 innings in 66 appearances out of the bullpen, including two saves. However, underlying metrics raised concerns, with a 22.1% strikeout rate, 11.4% walk rate, and a 4.27 SIERA suggesting his ERA benefited from a low .228 BABIP and 81.2% strand rate.
Rodríguez signed a five-year, $32 million contract before the 2024 season, entering his third year with $17 million remaining: $5 million in 2026, $6 million in 2027, and a $6 million player option for 2028 (or $10 million club option). In his rookie 2024 campaign, he started 21 games with a 4.47 ERA over 86 2/3 innings. Transitioning to relief in 2025, he showed early promise in high-leverage situations but faltered late, allowing three earned runs in 2 2/3 postseason innings against the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS before being omitted from the World Series roster.
The Blue Jays, who currently have 37 players on the 40-man roster, are adding Cody Ponce on a three-year, $30 million deal, leaving two spots open. This maneuver frees space for potential acquisitions, as Toronto pursues bullpen upgrades beyond Jeff Hoffman and Louis Varland, and remains linked to free agents like Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. Rodríguez stays with the organization, eligible for Triple-A assignment in Buffalo or a trade, where the Jays might need to cover part of his salary. No immediate corresponding move was announced, but the timing aligns with the Winter Meetings starting Monday in Orlando.