Dodgers Among 10 Teams Showing Interest in Relief Pitcher Out of Cuba

This offseason free agent class is loaded with talent, especially within the pitching department. The Dodgers will be looking to upgrade their rotation, but they could also look to upgrade their bullpen. 

While it isn’t as much of a priority for LA, they know that you can never have enough quality arms late in games. There are a few interesting players available, but the Dodgers aren’t expected to spend heavily on relievers. But one player that the team has shown an interest in is Yariel Rodríguez out of Cuba.

LA has never been shy about signing international talent, and they have been linked to the right-hander. He recently held a showcase for multiple big league teams, and many expect him to enter the MLB this coming season.

Rodríguez spent the last few seasons in Cuba and Japan, and the market for him should be strong. He is expected to receive interest all over.

“A starter-turned-reliever, Rodriguez played in Cuba from 2015-2020, then joined the Chunichi Dragons in Japan’s Central League. Rodriguez posted a 1.15 ERA and 27.5 percent strikeout rate in 56 appearances for Chunichi in 2022, but after pitching for Team Cuba in this year’s World Baseball Classic, he chose not to return to Japan, instead preparing himself for a chance to move to the Majors. Chunichi granted him his release in early October, paving the way for him to come to MLB.”

Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com

He would enter the league as a reliever in all likelihood, but with his experience as a starter, some teams may use him to stretch out their rotation. Most clubs like to have at least one reliever that can be used as a starter, or as someone who can pitch multiple innings after an opener.

The Dodgers did this often last season, and if they were to land Rodríguez they may use him in that role. Rodriguez has a five-pitch mix that could translate well to the big leagues, and his fastball ranges between 94-97 mph.

He will turn 27 before the 2024 season starts and could provide a team with a nice relief option for the next few years. LA is interested and could make a play to bolster their bullpen even more.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!