Reason behind why the Toronto Blue Jays released Rodolfo Castro announced

Toronto signed Castro to a minor league contract on November 26, 2025, then sent him to Buffalo the next day.

On Friday, the Bisons released him, which is a pretty jarring timeline for a fresh depth add.

The twist is that it was not a performance cut or a camp squeeze, it was a door being opened. MLB Trade Rumors reported the Jays released him so he could pursue a deal with Japan's Nippon Ham Fighters.

That context matters, because this was never a 40-man commitment, it was a low-risk spring training look.

The Jays have been stacking non-roster infield options, and Castro was supposed to be part of that crowded fight.

As a fan, I respect the move, but it still feels weird to see a guy arrive and vanish that fast.

If the Fighters offered guaranteed money and a clearer role, granting the release is the clean, player-friendly play.

Blue Jays fans wondered if there was something strange going on of the field

Ari Alexander was the one who spelled out the intent publicly, and his wording matched the transaction trail.

He reported the Jays released Castro specifically to let him pursue the NPB opportunity.

For Castro, the appeal is obvious even without guessing at numbers.

Japan can offer real at-bats, real runway, and a fresh start after bouncing between organizations the last couple seasons.

For Toronto, it is a reminder that minor league deals are living, breathing things, not press releases.

One opportunity elsewhere can flip the plan overnight, and the Blue Jays will just keep churning that Buffalo depth pile.