Reds just got second chance at Blue Jays pitcher who got away

The Cincinnati Reds were, at one time, in pursuit of right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodriguez. Both the Reds and Boston Red Sox made an offseason push to sign the Cuban right-hander during the winter of 2023-24, but the Toronto Blue Jays swooped in and signed him to a five-year, $32 million deal.

After a successful stint overseas in Japan, Rodriguez was tried as a starter. In 2024, he appeared in 21 games for Toronto, posted a 4.47 ERA and 4.34 FIP to go along with a 23.1% strikeout rate.

The Blue Jays transitioned Rodriguez into a relief role last season, and while his 3.08 ERA over 73 innings was certainly respectable, he struggled with walks (11.4% BB rate). Toronto removed Rodriguez from the 40-man roster during this past offseason, but outrighted him to Triple-A Buffalo with an invite to spring training.

The Jays activated Rodriguez to a Major League roster last month, and he's made 10 appearances out of the Toronto bullpen this season. Unfortunately, his 7.71 ERA and 15.6% walk rate forced the Blue Jays to make a necessary, albeit costly, decision. On Monday, the Jays' designated Rodriguez for assignment.

The Reds bullpen needs any help it can get

The Reds bullpen has essentially gone from first to worst in the matter of a month. During the month of April, Reds relievers posted a 3.58 ERA. The San Francisco Giants' bullpen was the only unit in the National League with a better mark during that time. But from May 1 until now, the Reds' relief corps owns an inexcusable 6.71 ERA. Only the Colorado Rockies have been worse.

While adding Rodriguez might seem like signing up for more of the same struggles, there was obviously something Cincinnati's scouts liked about the hard-throwing right-hander back in 2023. Reds fans know all too well how much Nick Krall and the front office love reclamation projects, so it wouldn't be shocking in the least to see Cincinnati make an attempt to add him to the roster.

Injuries have crippled the Reds' bullpen of late, and they've been unable to rely on the young arms like Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, and Connor Phillips. If the price is right, Rodriguez could find his way to the Queen City in the coming days.

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