Yarbrough exercised an opt-out on his deal as an XX(B) free agent after Toronto did not add Yarbrough to its 26-man roster. This option is available for players who have at least six years of MLB service and are looking to force their team to add them to the major-league roster, pay them a $100,000 retention bonus or release them.
The 33-year-old joined the Blue Jays as a non-roster invitee in spring training, appearing in four games. He registered a 4.05 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with eight strikeouts and one walk through 6.2 innings.
The Blue Jays acquired Yarbrough in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for Kevin Kiermaier at last season’s trade deadline. He had a 2.01 ERA and 3.49 FIP with 26 strikeouts while only recording seven walks across 12 relief appearances.
