Yariel Rodriguez Designated For Assignment By Blue Jays

[Steve Drumwright]

 

The return of Tommy Nance has brought the end of Yariel Rodriguez's time with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Nance, a right-handed reliever, was activated from the 15-day injured list Monday following right forearm discomfort. Right-hander Yariel Rodriguez was designated for assignment.

The DFA of Rodriguez brings an end to a disappointing tenure. Rodriguez signed a five-year, $32 million contract before the 2024 season as he came over from Cuba. He made 21 starts as a rookie, then converted to a relief role in 2025, appearing in 66 games. This year, Rodriguez pitched in just 10 games after starting the season at Triple-A on the injured list. He had a 7.71 ERA in 9⅓ innings, allowing two homers, seven walks and striking out six.

If no one claims Rodriguez, the Jays will be on the hook for the remainder of his $7 million salary this season as well as the $14 million over the final two years of his contract.

Nance is a welcome return to the bullpen. He appeared in 20 games before hitting the IL on May 17, posting a 3.86 ERA in 21 innings, walking eight and striking out 25.

 

View full rumor

[Laika]

I kind of like having Yariel around as "endlessly DFA-able bullpen depth" as MLBTR says. 

[Jonn]

I looked more into it since it was discussed last time. He literally can’t do anything but accept his minor league assignment. Because of his service time if he tries to elect free agency he would forfeit his remaining salary.

So this could happen several more times this year and next:

[Terminator]

Quote

If the player clears outright waivers, he may be assigned outright to the Minor Leagues. However, players with more than five years of Major League service time can reject an assignment to the Minor Leagues, and players with more than three years of Major League service time, or who have been previously outrighted, may reject the outright assignment in favor of free agency in lieu of the assignment. 

https://www.mlb.com/glossary/transactions/designate-for-assignment

Pretty sure Yariel can elect FA since he was "previously outrighted".

[Laika]

1 minute ago, Terminator said:

Pretty sure Yariel can elect FA since he was "previously outrighted".

I think if they have under 5 years of service time though, and reject an outright assignment, they forfeit their guaranteed money 

[Jonn]

3 minutes ago, Laika said:

I think if they have under 5 years of service time though, and reject an outright assignment, they forfeit their guaranteed money 

This is correct. He’s stuck in this loop if he wants his full salary.

[Terminator]

Ah ok that makes sense then.

If Yariel could get his head out of his ass and throw the ball for strikes once in a while he could be a good reliever. He was dominating AAA with that new splitter.

Also, I think there is a chance that Hiney-man might head back to Buffalo as well when he is DFA'd for Kirk. If he's not claimed (and there is a decent chance he's not) he probably won't want to forfeit the remainder of his 1.24 mil salary this year. That's a lot of dough for a career minor leaguer.

[G-Snarls]

33 minutes ago, Laika said:

I think if they have under 5 years of service time though, and reject an outright assignment, they forfeit their guaranteed money 

Ah s*** 

Yeah he can't risk that 

He'd get wayyyy less as a free agent right now