Yariel Rodríguez was released from his contract last week and now is doing his paperwork for free agency. Thr colleague Francys Romero broke the news of Rodríguez’s first showcase for major league ballclubs. As per Romero the hurler impressed yesterday in his first tryout with more than 15 MLB teams watching in the Dominican Republic.
After 6 months without any action Rodriguez had little rust, the speed, pitch movement and spin rate are there:
FB (9 pitches) 96.2 MPH / 2586 Spin
SL (6 pitches) 84.9 MPH/ 2905
CV (4 pitches) 76.7 MPH / 2714
SP (2 pitches) 88.9 MPH / 1704
CH (1 pitch) 86.2 MPH / 1664
Cuban ace RHP Yariel Rodriguez (26) impressed yesterday in his first tryout with more than 15 MLB teams watching in the Dominican Republic.
After 6 months without active play, the speed, pitch movement and spin rate are there.
FB (9 pitches) 96.2 MPH / 2586 Spin
SL (6 pitches)… pic.twitter.com/7diQMoQQYL— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) October 11, 2023
According to scouting reports, the “Gallero de San Serapio” is valued at 50 million and does not have any type of restriction impeding his possible signing because he is over 25 years old and has played six years in a professional league. Rodríguez was solid and borderlining spectacular in his starts in the World Classic.
During that tournament the righty tossed 7⅓ allowing two earned runs and striking out 10 batters. Although he did not factor in any decision he posted a 2.45 earned run average, but did walk an alarming six batters during his two starts in the tournament.
Cuban ace in the V World Baseball Classic, RHP Yariel Rodriguez (26) received his release today from the Chunichi Dragons in the NPB, per sources.
Yariel is represented by Edgar Mercedes, a Dominican agent and businessman who has managed this release. Mercedes has previously… pic.twitter.com/rZ2j6l6QH0
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) October 5, 2023
Rodríguez worked in 56 games and in 54.2 innings of work where he only gave up seven earned runs last season in the NPB. Yariel had a 1.15 earned run average during 2022 and fanned 60 while only walking 18. During that campaign he did not allow a long ball and was named the reliever of the year in the land of the rising sun. The righty also tallied 39 holds and notched six victories in 2022. The only reason the Rodriguez was not the team’s closer was because Raidel Martínez his countrymen held that role.
The flamethrower’s fastball hit 100 miles per hour on the radar during one of his outings with the Chunichi last season. We will have to wait and see which organizations are interested in him and what role he will be assigned upon signing. Rodríguez is represented by Edgar Mercedes a Dominican agent and businessman who has also represented the likes of Yoenis Céspedes,Yunesky Maya and Luis Robert.