Former Blue Jays great Kendry Rojas added to the Minnesota Twins’ 40-man roster

Kendry Rojas, who was traded alongside outfielder Alan Roden in exchange for reliever Louie Varland and infielder Ty France at the trade deadline last summer, was protected earlier today along with five other prospects.

Signed by the Jays out of Cuba in 2020, Rojas rose through the Jays farm system over the past five seasons, reaching Triple-A Buffalo before the trade. Injuries have hampered Rojas over the years, with the left-hander yet to surpass the 100-plus innings mark in his career. Despite the setbacks, he has put up some strong numbers along the way.

During 11 appearances in High-A Vancouver in 2024, he posted a 2.43 ERA with a 1.9 BB/9 and a 9.9 K/9 through 55 2/3 innings of work. He posted his best numbers this past season at Double-A New Hampshire, where he made four starts and allowed just eight earned runs in 18 2/3 innings while striking out 30 batters (14.5 K/9) while walking just two (1.0 BB/9).

After the trade, Rojas was sent to Triple-A St. Paul, where he made eight starts and allowed 20 earned runs in 27 1/3 innings (6.59 ERA). He still struck out batters at a high rate (9.2 K/9), but he struggled with his command and walked 23 (7.6 BB/9). Results were mixed for the 22-year-old, who had four outings with the Saints where he allowed one earned run or fewer, but the other four were tough and allowed four or more runs, highlighted by a seven-run outing against the Louisville Bats where he could only muster one.