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The Cuban Major League pitcher Yariel Rodríguez, 28 years old, has been removed from the Toronto Blue Jays' 40-man roster, as confirmed by journalist Francys Romero on his social media.
The decision is surprising, as it comes after a season in which the player posted strong statistics and demonstrated the ability to establish themselves in MLB.
Rodríguez finished the 2025 season with an ERA of 3.08, a WAR of 1.4, and a total of 66 strikeouts in 73.0 innings, performing in various roles within the Canadian pitching staff.
An unexpected movement
Despite the positive performance, the Blue Jays decided to remove him from the 40-man roster, a move that typically relates to administrative adjustments, making room for acquisitions, or strategic decisions by management. Being removed from the roster does not imply the termination of the contract; Yariel still has three years remaining on his contract with the organization.
What comes next for Cuban law?
To rejoin the 40-man roster and secure a spot on the major league team, Yariel will need to attend Spring Training and compete once again for a position. His performance during the preseason will be crucial in determining whether the Blue Jays retain him, assign him to the minors, or put him on the market for a possible trade.
Yariel Rodríguez, who made his way to MLB after excelling in Japan -breaking his contract- and playing with the Cuban national team, is still regarded as a high-potential arm. His departure from the roster raises questions about Toronto's plans for 2026, but it also gives the pitcher the chance to reaffirm his talent and reclaim his position.
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