Tyler Rogers: The Submarine Ace Who Defied Convention to Become a Blue Jays Bullpen Anchor
"It's a profile designed for weak, ground-ball contact. Rogers gets that year after year, and he almost never puts batters on via base on balls."
In the high-velocity world of modern baseball, Tyler Rogers is a remarkable anomaly. The 34-year-old relief pitcher, known for his distinctive submarine-style delivery that releases the ball from below his knee, has carved out a dominant career not with power, but with precision and deception. After leading the majors in appearances in 2025, Rogers has now secured a three-year, $37 million contract to join the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the latest chapter in an unconventional and inspiring baseball journey.
The Long Road to The Show
Tyler Rogers' path to Major League Baseball was neither quick nor linear. Born in Denver, Colorado, on December 17, 1990, he honed his craft first at Garden City Community College and then at Austin Peay State University, where he set a single-season program record with 12 saves as a junior.
Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 10th round in 2013, Rogers spent the next six full seasons methodically climbing through the minor leagues. Despite consistently strong performances, his unique, low-velocity profile kept him from a rapid promotion. By 2019, as he approached his 29th birthday and was in his third season at Triple-A, Rogers was reportedly close to ending his playing career to pursue work as a firefighter. The Giants finally called him up in August 2019, and he immediately proved he belonged, posting a stellar 1.02 ERA over 17.2 innings in his debut stint.
Mastering the Art of the Submarine
What makes Rogers so effective is his extreme sidearm, submarine delivery. The motion, which sees him release the ball a mere 1.3 feet off the ground, creates a baffling visual for hitters accustomed to traditional overhand or three-quarter arm angles. His primary weapons are an 82-83 MPH sinker and a sweeping slider around 74 MPH—velocities that rank in the slowest 1% of the league.
His success is a masterclass in weak contact. Rogers doesn't rack up high strikeout numbers. Instead, his pitching profile is engineered to induce ground balls and harmless pop-ups. He excels at limiting hard contact, consistently ranking in the league's top percentiles for lowest exit velocity and barrel percentage. Perhaps most impressively, he accomplishes this while maintaining elite control, having posted the lowest walk rate (2.3%) among qualified relievers in 2025.
📊 Tyler Rogers: Career Statistics at a Glance
The table below highlights the consistency and effectiveness of Rogers' major league career.
A Stellar 2025 and a Major Payday
The 2025 season exemplified Rogers' value. He began the year with the Giants, posting a 1.80 ERA in 53 games. At the trade deadline, he was dealt to the New York Mets as part of their effort to build a "super bullpen," and he continued to excel, recording a 2.30 ERA in 27.1 innings in Queens.
Entering free agency after the season, Rogers' market was "robust". On December 12, 2025, he agreed to a three-year, $37 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. The deal includes a vesting option for a fourth year that could increase its total value to $48 million. This signing represents a significant investment by the Blue Jays, who are aggressively building their roster after a deep playoff run, and it more than doubled the annual value many industry experts had predicted for the reliever.
The Blue Jays' New Bullpen Weapon
For Toronto, Rogers is more than just a reliable arm; he's a tactical weapon. The Blue Jays have shown a keen interest in diversifying the release points in their bullpen, and Rogers' submarine slot is about as different as it gets. He is expected to serve as a key high-leverage setup man ahead of closer Jeff Hoffman, utilizing his ability to induce double plays and neutralize rallies.
His addition is also notable for its personal storyline. Rogers is an identical twin. His brother, Taylor Rogers (older by 30 seconds), is also a successful MLB pitcher. The pair played together for two seasons in San Francisco, forming one of only ten sets of twins to play in the major leagues.
The Legacy of an Unconventional Ace
Tyler Rogers' story is one of perseverance and self-belief. He refused to abandon a pitching style that scouts often overlook, waited patiently for his opportunity, and then dominated by perfecting his unique craft. In an era obsessed with velocity and strikeouts, he has proven that command, movement, and deception are timeless and highly valuable assets.
As he joins a contending Blue Jays team, Rogers brings a track record of unparalleled durability—he has never been on the injured list—and consistent, top-tier performance. For hitters across the American League, stepping into the box against his submarine sinker will be one of the most unique and frustrating challenges they face all season.
