The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a minor league contract with left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. Yarbrough, who finished the 2024 season with the Jays, will also receive an invitation to spring training. This move comes as the Blue Jays look to bolster their pitching depth ahead of the upcoming season.

Yarbrough’s Journey and Performance

Yarbrough, now 33, was acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade that sent outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers at last year’s trade deadline. In his stint with the Jays, Yarbrough filled a long relief role, logging 31 1/3 innings over 12 appearances and posting a 2.01 ERA. His ability to induce soft contact from opponents has been a hallmark of his career, even though his fastball averages just 86.5 miles per hour.

Over the past seven seasons, Yarbrough has played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays, appearing in 196 games with only 68 starts. His career ERA stands at 4.21 over 768 big league innings, with a strikeout rate of 18.7% and a walk rate of 5.5%. His average exit velocity allowed is 85.1 miles per hour, which is more than three ticks better than average. Statcast has consistently placed him in the 97th percentile or better in this category. His hard hit rate is 28%, more than eight percentage points better than the league average, placing him in the 94th percentile in this category.

Blue Jays’ Rotation and Bullpen Depth

The Blue Jays have a solid rotation locked in with Kevin Gausman, José Berrios, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt. Bowden Francis, who posted a 1.53 ERA in his final nine starts of the 2024 season, is likely to contend for the fifth starter spot. This could push Yariel Rodríguez, who started for the Jays last year, into a bullpen role. Rodríguez previously had success as a reliever in Japan, but Francis still has an option and could technically be sent to Triple-A to start the year.

In terms of depth, the Jays have Jake Bloss and Adam Macko on the 40-man roster, but Macko recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and will be out for an undetermined amount of time. Eric Lauer and Adam Kloffenstein are in camp as non-roster invitees. Yarbrough’s addition gives the club extra non-roster depth for its staff and could potentially earn him a role as a long reliever out of the bullpen if his contract is selected.

Yarbrough’s Free Agency and Contract Terms

Yarbrough is an Article XX(b) free agent, meaning he has at least six years of major league service and finished the previous season on a 40-man roster or 60-day injured list. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, players in this category who sign minor league deals more than ten days prior to Opening Day get uniform opt-outs. These opt-out chances are five days before Opening Day, as well as May 1st and June 1st.

Implications for the Blue Jays

The addition of Yarbrough provides the Blue Jays with a versatile pitcher who can fill multiple roles. His ability to induce soft contact and his experience in both starting and relief roles make him a valuable asset. As the Blue Jays look to contend in the American League East, having a reliable pitcher like Yarbrough in the bullpen could be crucial.

However, some may argue that Yarbrough’s strikeout rate is subpar, which could be a concern for a team looking to dominate in the postseason. But his low walk rate and ability to limit hard hit balls make him a valuable asset in high-leverage situations. His experience and versatility could be a key factor in the Blue Jays’ success this season.

Looking Ahead

As the Blue Jays prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Yarbrough adds depth and flexibility to their pitching staff. With a strong rotation and a bullpen that includes experienced pitchers like Yarbrough, the Blue Jays are well-positioned to compete in the AL East. Fans can expect a competitive season from the Blue Jays, with Yarbrough playing a key role in their success.