Report: Cincinnati Reds Interested in Yariel Rodriguez

The Cincinnati Reds are interested in international pitching prospect Yariel Rodriguez according to MLB insider Francis Romero. The excitement around his possible addition is dampened by one big concern.

Rodriguez is entering his age 27 season. He still has a few years left to reach his potential, but if the Reds see him as a member of the starting rotation, this rumor isn't nearly as exciting.

He hasn't been regular starter since he pitched in Cuba during the winter of 2019-20. His past three years in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. he has almost exclusively pitched out of the bullpen. He didn't pitch anywhere in 2023.

As a relief pitcher, Rodriguez has pitched well. He posted a 3.03 ERA in 79 appearances in three seasons in Japan. He has pitched in multiple innings in most of those appearances compiling 175 1/3 total innings.

Outside of his limitations as a starter, Rodriguez has struggled with walks. In his entire career, he has averaged over four walks per nine innings pitched. He did cut back on the walks in 2022, but walk problems often magnify when a pitcher reaches the majors for the first time.

This is an interesting rumor, but I don’t see the fit. The Reds re-signed Buck Farmer on Thursday. Maybe the Reds also pursued Rodriguez, before ultimately signing Farmer.

#Reds remain interested in Yariel Rodriguez, per @francysromeroFR…

Rodriguez is interesting. He’d be really risky, only 26.

Had a dominant year pitching out of the bullpen in 2022 in the NPB. 1.15 ERA across 54.2 IP.

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— Bryce Spalding (@bryce_spalding) December 27, 2023