The Toronto Blue Jays might've struck out in their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani. However, that hasn't stopped the Blue Jays from building a roster ready to compete in 2024.

Toronto has agreed to a deal with Cuban standout Yariel Rodriguez, via Jon Morosi of the MLB Network. While the financials aren't yet known, Rodriguez is expected to be receiving a multiyear contract.

Furthermore, the Blue Jays have plans to use Rodriguez as a starter. The right-hander wants to start, but many teams in free agency viewed him as a reliever. Perhaps Toronto's willingness to use him in the rotation swayed him towards a deal.

Still, the Blue Jays plan on taking it slow with Rodriguez through the 2024 season. A potential hybrid, starter-reliever role has been discussed, via Morosi. Rodriguez hasn't pitched since the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

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During the WBC, Rodriguez pitched to a 2.45 ERA and a 10/6 K/BB ratio over two starts for his native Cuba. However, the right-hander decided not to return to the Chunichi Dragons of NPB, instead deciding to become an MLB free agent. In his three years with the Dragons, Rodriguez held a 10-10 record with a 3.03 ERA and a 188/77 K/BB ratio.

The Blue Jays already have a strong pitching staff headlined by Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios. Still, Rodriguez adds some versatility and an added spark to the unit. While he may not get as much hype as Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, Rodriguez registers as a major addition for Toronto.

Yariel Rodriguez will not get accustom to his new team. His role will be tinkered with before he fully acclimates himself to the rotation. But as the Blue Jays look to get back into the postseason, they'll have Rodriguez breathing wind into their sails.