Blue Jays $32 Million Pitcher Fails to Make Opening Day Roster

Yariel Rodríguez, who signed a 5-year, $32 million contract with the Blue Jays in 2024, will start the 2026 season in Triple-A after a disappointing spring training.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:37pm

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The Toronto Blue Jays have informed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez that he will not make the team's Opening Day roster and will instead start the 2026 season with their Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo. Rodríguez, a 27-year-old right-hander, signed a 5-year, $32 million contract with the Blue Jays in 2024 after pitching in Japan's Central League. However, he has struggled to find success at the MLB level, posting a 4.47 ERA as a starter in 2024 and a 3.08 ERA in relief in 2025. The Blue Jays opted to outright Rodríguez off their 40-man roster after last season, and his poor performance in spring training this year has led to him being left off the Opening Day roster.

Why it matters

Rodríguez's inability to secure a spot on the Blue Jays' roster is a significant setback for the team, which invested heavily in the Cuban pitcher. The Blue Jays are hoping to contend for a playoff spot in 2026, and having a $32 million pitcher toiling in the minors is not an ideal situation. This move raises questions about Rodríguez's future with the organization and whether the Blue Jays will be able to recoup any of their investment.

The details

The Blue Jays informed Rodríguez on the day of their final spring training game that he would not be on the Opening Day roster. In three Grapefruit League innings this spring, Rodríguez was rocked for seven earned runs, striking out five but also walking four. The Blue Jays had previously tried converting Rodríguez to a starter in 2024, with mixed results, before moving him to the bullpen in 2025 where he had a 3.08 ERA over 66 appearances. However, the team did not feel confident enough in Rodríguez to include him on their World Series roster last year.

  • The Blue Jays informed Rodríguez of the roster decision on March 22, 2026, the day of their final spring training game.
  • Rodríguez signed a 5-year, $32 million contract with the Blue Jays in February 2024.

The players

Yariel Rodríguez

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who signed a 5-year, $32 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 after pitching in Japan's Central League.

Toronto Blue Jays

A Major League Baseball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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What they’re saying

“Rodríguez has been informed that he did not make the Toronto Blue Jays Opening Day roster and will begin the 2026 season in Triple-A Buffalo, per source.”

— Francys Romero, Journalist

What’s next

Rodríguez will start the 2026 season with the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo. A strong performance there could potentially earn him another chance with the major league club, either with the Blue Jays or another team via trade, but the Blue Jays will have to decide if they are willing to continue paying his $7 million salary.

The takeaway

Rodríguez's failure to make the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster is a significant setback for the team, which invested $32 million in the Cuban pitcher just two years ago. This move raises questions about Rodríguez's future with the organization and whether the Blue Jays will be able to recoup any of their investment in the struggling right-hander.