Red Sox were one of two teams to attend private workout for coveted NPB pitcher (report)
The Boston Red Sox and the San Diego Padres attended a private workout for right-handed Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez in the Dominican Republic, per Francys Romero.
Rodriguez, 26, threw two innings during the session for both clubs.
He has had three successful seasons over in Japan with the NPB Chunichi Dragons before being released and declared a free agent in October.
Rodriguez pitched out of the bullpen for the Dragons, putting up a 3.03 ERA with a 25.4% strikeout rate in 175 1/3 innings during that time. He really impressed in 2022 leading to his interest in the MLB.
He posted a 1.15 ERA in 54 2/3 frames, with a 27.5% strikeout rate against an 8.3% walk rate with the Dragons in 2022.
During the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the right-hander participated as a starting pitcher for his home country of Cuba. He allowed two runs on five hits and six walks over 7 1/3 innings, in two appearances.
After the WBC he was placed on the restricted list. Despite being out of action since the spring, this is the second time that Rodriguez reportedly has had a workout with MLB teams attending.
Romero, reported back in October that Rodriguez worked out in front of more than 15 MLB teams.
Rodriguez offers a 96 mph fastball plus his slider, curve, splitter, and changeup.
Having the ability to pitch out of the pen and rotation could be attractive to Boston. They already have Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Nick Pivetta who went back and forth last season.
MLBTR has Rodriguez listed as their 28th free agent in their top 50 list. They project his next contract will be around four years and for $32 million.
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