The Blue Jays' bullpen situation is starting to take shape, and it looks like right-hander Yariel Rodriguez will be kicking off the 2026 season in the minors. According to insider reports, Rodriguez is set to join the Triple-A squad after a rollercoaster of a year and a challenging spring training.
Last season, Rodriguez transitioned from a starter to a full-time reliever, and the results were a mixed bag. Over 66 appearances, he posted a respectable 3.08 ERA and a 4.40 FIP, with a 1.151 WHIP. His control was a bit of a concern, issuing 34 walks (4.2 BB/9), but he managed to keep hitters at bay with a .196/.304/.325 slash line and improved his hits per nine innings to 6.2.
Rodriguez had a couple of rough patches, particularly in the early and late parts of the season. In the first month, he allowed 12 hits and eight earned runs over 12 2/3 innings.
August wasn't much kinder, as he gave up eight runs in 9 1/3 innings. However, outside of those struggles, he was solid, limiting damage effectively.
This spring didn't go as planned for Rodriguez in Dunedin, but he shined on the international stage at the World Baseball Classic. With Team Cuba, he was dominant, racking up ten strikeouts in six innings while surrendering just four hits and one earned run, and crucially, no walks.
With Rodriguez out of the bullpen race, the competition heats up for the remaining spots. Names like Chase Lee, Adam Macko, and Rule 5 picks Angel Bastardo and Spencer Miles are all in the mix, each hoping to make their mark with the Jays this season.
The bullpen battle is just one of many storylines in Toronto sports right now, and fans are eager to see how it all unfolds.