Yarbrough's Opt-Out Decision

Left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is poised to activate the opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to reports from Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. The team faces a crucial deadline – by 1 PM Central this Sunday – to determine whether to add Yarbrough to their major league roster. Should they choose not to include him, he will officially enter free agency.

Understanding Article XX(b) Free Agent Status

Yarbrough falls under the Article XX(b) free agent category, a designation reserved for players with at least six years of major league service who were either on a big league roster or the injured list at the conclusion of the previous season. This classification provides them with guaranteed opt-out opportunities on minor league contracts signed at least ten days before the start of the regular season. Notably, the first of these opt-out opportunities arrives just ahead of Opening Day, with subsequent dates set for May 1 and June 1. When a player exercises this opt-out right, the team is given a 48-hour window to respond.

Yarbrough's Career Performance

Despite not possessing elite velocity or a high strikeout rate, Yarbrough has managed to establish a respectable career. Over 768 innings pitched in the majors, he has maintained an earned run average of 4.21. His strikeout rate sits at 18.7%, which is slightly below league average, but his 5.5% walk rate demonstrates commendable control. Statcast metrics highlight his effectiveness, as he consistently ranks among league leaders in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate against him.

Recent Blue Jays Acquisition

The Blue Jays had a chance to evaluate Yarbrough's talent in the latter stages of last season, acquiring him from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade that sent Kevin Kiermaier to LA. During his time in Toronto, Yarbrough excelled out of the bullpen, delivering 31 1/3 innings with an impressive 2.01 ERA across 12 appearances. After remaining unsigned throughout much of the offseason, he returned to the Jays on a minor league deal in mid-February, which features a $2 million payday contingent on his promotion to the majors.

Spring Training Performance

In Spring Training, Yarbrough has thrown 6 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out eight batters and issuing just one walk. With the Blue Jays' starting rotation likely to include pitchers such as José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis, it remains to be seen where Yarbrough might fit into their plans. The situation has been further complicated by veteran Max Scherzer's recent thumb soreness, casting some uncertainty on his health heading into the season.

Future Considerations for the Blue Jays

Blue Jays manager John Schneider has indicated that Scherzer is set to pitch against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers tomorrow, aiming for a pitch count of 60 to 65. If Scherzer finds himself healthy, it could solidify Yarbrough’s role as a long reliever, while Yariel Rodríguez could step up into the bullpen mix. Rodríguez previously thrived in a traditional relief role in Japan, boasting a stunning 1.15 ERA in that capacity.

Decision Deadline Approaching

The Blue Jays may delay their final decision on Yarbrough until after Scherzer's outing, assessing both how Scherzer performs and how he feels in the days that follow. If they choose to add Yarbrough to the roster, they will need to execute a corresponding move to make space on the 40-man roster.

Conclusion

As the Blue Jays edge closer to the start of the season, all eyes will be on Ryan Yarbrough and how this situation unfolds. Will he remain with the team or venture into free agency? Only time will tell!