Buzz is growing that the Blue Jays may move Yariel Rodríguez to the bullpen in 2025

One of the biggest takeaways from last week's GM Meetings in San Antonio, Texas, was that not only are the Toronto Blue Jays keen to add to their bullpen, but they're particularly keen to add to their starting rotation in order to get back into contention. This suggests that Yariel Rodríguez will move to the bullpen next season to cover innings wherever needed.

The Blue Jays signed Rodríguez last offseason to a five-year, $32M contract after he pitched for Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In his first year in Major League Baseball, he posted a 4.47 ERA in 107 innings, setting himself to hopefully reach 140 innings as a starter, his preferred role, in 2025.

Buzz is growing that the Blue Jays may move Yariel Rodríguez to the bullpen in 2025

However, Bowden Francis simply cannot be ignored after posting a 1.34 ERA in his final seven starts. He more than deserves his place in next season's rotation alongside Kevin Gausman, José Berríos and Chris Bassitt. This trio was dominant at times and, most importantly, stayed healthy, something some organizations can only dream of. Yet beyond them, plus Francis and Rodríguez, there's a lack of depth where the Blue Jays suffered the most this season.

They've shown interest in Max Fried, projected to get a six-year, $156M contract by MLB Trade Rumors as arguably one of the top arms in the free agent market. Could they explore a reunion with Yusei Kikuchi, who pitched to a 2.70 ERA during his short stint with the Astros? Or take a risk on 2020 Cy Young Winner Shane Bieber coming off Tommy John surgery, which would perhaps be the cheapest option?

Adding another arm would not only improve Toronto's rotation it would also deepen their bullpen in the process of undergoing a rebuild. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins mentioned at his end-of-season press conference that moving Rodríguez to the bullpen was an option, per MLB.com's Keegan Matheson, although they wouldn't be prepared to move him there for the sake of it.

Rodríguez is still 28 and extremely talented with plenty of potential. Still, it seems as though he'll be shifting to a new role next year.