Is Yariel Rodriguez worthy of an MLB contract? Rating Cuban flamethrower's big league prospects after impressive start vs Netherlands

Up-and-coming pitcher Yariel Rodriguez was handed the start for Team Cuba at the World Baseball Classic and he did not disappoint. MLB scouts have been keeping an eye on the highly rated 25-year-old for quite some time. His performance against the Netherlands will add to his case for a major league contract.

Although the Cuban team lost 4-2 to the Netherlands in the opening game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Rodriguez impressed. The flamethrowing righty completed four innings. He allowed one earned run off three hits and walked one hitter. He had a game-high six strikeouts on the day.

"Get this man an MLB job! Yariel Rodriguez" - Ben Verlander

Rodriguez has represented his country on the world stage on several occasions. He was a member of the Pan-Am team and played for Cuba in the Caribbean World Series.

He began his career in Cuba with Ganaderos de Camaguey. Rodriguez finished with a 31-26 record and a 3.30 ERA in Cuba.

Rodriguez eventually chose to play in Japan, where he signed with Nippin Professional Baseball's (NPB) Chunichi Dragons. He developed into one of the league's star pitchers. Over a three-year spell, he finished with a 10-10 record and a 3.03 ERA. He averages over one strikeout per inning and has allowed just 12 home runs over 175.1 innings.

Yariel Rodriguez was Team Cuba's standout player during the opening game of the 2023 WBC

Joshua Palacios stole second base during the World Baseball Classic game between Cuba and Netherlands

The loss to team Netherlands put Team Cuba in a tough position. The team is stacked with talent. Several MLB players, including Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada and Detroit Tigers infielder Andy Ibanez, are on the roster.

"The WBC is officially underway with Cuba vs. Netherlands! This is straight filth by Yariel Rodriguez. (:@MLBONFOX)" - The Score

Team Cuba will hope to bounce back in their next game versus Italy on March 9. They will also face Chinese Taipei and Panama in Pool A.

Yariel Rodriguez was exceptional in his opening game. His country showed faith in him by rewarding his hard work with a starting role. MLB scouts will be monitoring Rodriguez's progress as the tournament continues.