Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez signed a five-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, becoming the first Gunner from his country to join the Ontario team.
According to the Sportsnet network, the total value of the agreement is $32 million.
• Also read: Russell Martin was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June
• Also read: The referees choose Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The 26-year-old has had an excellent season in the Japanese Central League in 2022. With the Chunichi Dragons, he went 6-2 with a 1.15 ERA, totaling 18 walks and 60 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings.
After representing Cuba at the World Classic, Rodriguez played his final three seasons in the Land of the Rising Sun, but last year he gave up playing with the Dragons, preferring to train under the eyes of professional scouts in the Dominican Republic Republic.
A Quebecer receives
To make room for Rodriguez in their lineup, the Blue Jays designated Quebecer Otto Lopez for assignment.
This means the Toronto organization now has seven days to trade or release the 25-year-old infielder.
Lopez has been with the Blue Jays since the 2017 season. He has appeared in nine games in the Major Leagues, one in 2021 and eight in 2023, maintaining a .600 batting average and scoring three points.
The right-hander played primarily for the Buffalo Bisons (AAA) last year. He posted a .258 average, drove in 35 runs and hit two home runs in 84 games with them.