Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez (26), who went into exile in the United States instead of returning to Japan after the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), is expected to achieve his dream of becoming a major leaguer.
According to Trade Rumors on the 4th (Korean time), reporter Francis Romero of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) reported that Rodriguez was officially announced as a free agent by the Major League.
The media said, “Rodriguez has become one of the most interesting options on the pitcher market after his contract with the Junior Dragons of the Japanese professional baseball team was terminated a month ago. He has been showcased to major league clubs for several weeks since then, but has not yet made an official statement with the major league team until today.” “Contracting has been banned. Of course, we don’t know if he will sign immediately, but this eliminates the procedural hurdles that need to be resolved.”
Rodriguez has played for Japan’s Chunichi Dragons since the 2020 season.
After transforming the bullpen in 2022, he showed his true value. Rodriguez won the Central League reliever award by recording 6 wins, 2 losses, 39 holds, and an ERA of 1.15 in 56 games and 5⅔ innings.
He throws a fastball that travels up to 160 km/h, and throws a variety of pitches such as a slider, curve changeup, splitter, and two-seamer.
After finishing the season, he successfully renewed his contract with Chunichi for two years.
Rodriguez’s performance led to his selection for the national team. He competed with the Cuban national team at the WBC tournament held last March. 무지개토토 주소
Cuba lost 2-14 in the semifinals to the United States and failed to advance to the finals.
After the tournament ended, Rodriguez could not be seen in Japan. After finishing the competition, Rodriguez decided to leave without permission instead of returning to Japan. He subsequently found out that he never returned to Japan to seek asylum in the United States.
Ultimately, Junichi terminated his contract, and Rodriguez took an entire season off.