Cuban World Baseball Classic star pitcher receives release, could head to MLB
Numerous players stood out at last spring's World Baseball Classic, but few wowed quite like Yariel Rodriguez. Used as a starter by the Cuban squad, Rodriguez showcased an upper-90s fastball and a slider with extreme movement. It was an impressive introduction on the world stage.
Shortly after the conclusion of the WBC, Rodriguez defected. He elected not to return to Cuba and subsequently did not report to the Chunichi Dragons, his NPB club the past few seasons. The Dragons ultimately suspended Rodriguez for the season rather than granting his immediate release.
With the NPB season now over, the Dragons have formally released Rodriguez. He has reportedly been steadily working out over the past year, but it remains unclear if he has already established residency in the Dominican Republic, a necessary step before Major League Baseball will declare him eligible to sign with teams as a free agent.
WBC writer and podcaster Shawn Spradling relays that some scouts project Rodriguez could earn a five-year deal valued between $50 million to $70 million.
Rodriguez, 26, spent six years pitching professionally in Cuba before joining the Dragons in Japan. A former starter, the Dragons turned Rodriguez into one of the league's most elite relievers. In his last full season, 2022, he posted a 1.15 ERA and 0.915 WHIP across 54.2 innings of work while not allowing a single home run.
He is the kind of arm many teams will look to add to their bullpens.
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