Blue Jays finalize deal with Ryan Yarbrough

The deal is a minor league one that includes an Spring Training.

Yarbrough finished off 2024 with the Blue Jays after coming over from the Los Angeles Dodgers in deadline deal for Kevin Kiermaier.

It was a move a reunion that made sense for the Blue Jays, who now have another left-hander and versatile option out of their bullpen.

The Jays know Yarbrough well from his spent with division rival Tampa Bay Rays

Yarbrough has a rubber arm and can fill a variety of roles. Although he only appeared in 12 games for the Blue Jays last year, he threw 31 innings.

Yarbrough can be a multi-inning guy, a long man/hybrid role, and could even act as "opener", a role he became familiar with during his time with the Rays, who pioneered the concept.

Yarbrough will give the Blue Jays a second lefty alongside Brendon Little and will also allow them to be more versatile with Yariel Rodrgiuez.

Other LHPS in camp include Richard Lovelady, Amir Garrett, Mason Fluharty, Eric Lauer, Josh Walker, and Easton Lucas, who is starting today's game against the Yankees.

Rodrgiuez meanwhile, could still be anybody coming out of camp. He started last year for the Blue Jays and had an up-and-down season. The Blue Jays are shifting to the bullpen this year where he can be used in long relief, but he also been a successful closer in both Cuba and Japan.

Yarbrough gives the team not only flexibility, but additional insurance against injury. While the Blue Jays rotation has done a remarkable job of staying healthy, that can't always be a thing to count on.

While the deal is officially a minor league one, meaning YYarbrough isn't on the 40 man, he has a leg up to win the final bullpen job.