Reporter Shim Hye-jin] Ryu Hyun-jin (36), who is eligible for free agency for the second time, will wear a uniform next year, and local media in Toronto analyzed his future.
“Blue Jays Nation,” which specializes in the news of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, said on July 7 (KST), “Ryu Hyun-jin returned from Tommy John surgery and finished his contract in a positive way.
The report went on to analyze two options for Ryu: re-sign with Toronto or leave.
In 2020, the first year of his contract, Ryu went 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA in 12 starts during the 60-game COVID-19 shortened season, leading the team to the postseason. He finished third in the Cy Young Award voting.
He then went 14-10 with a 4.37 ERA in 2021 and underwent surgery after six games in 2022. He returned in 2023.
“Ryu became a free agent as a respected Toronto player during his time in the organization. He’ll be 37 at the start of next season, but it’s worth at least considering re-signing him.” “The fourth starter is a lock. Alec Manoa is the favorite for the fifth spot, but they could develop Bowden Francis for the long haul. “Alec Manoa is the clear favorite for the fifth spot, with Bowden Francis as a long-term option, but it’s a long way to spring training, so if you’re worried about a gap in the rotation, Hyun-jin Ryu could be an option.굿모닝토토 주소
“His style is complementary enough to fill a spot in the rotation. He’s a finesse pitcher and his fastball averages 88 mph. He also has good deception.”
On the other hand, they also analyzed that he shouldn’t be re-signed. The main reason is health.
“Ryu has averaged just 16 starts over the past three seasons, which is worth reconsidering. General manager Ross Atkins doesn’t re-sign players over the age of 30. Also, Ryu hasn’t made the wild-card roster. He hasn’t made the Wild Card roster, and he may not in the future.
After analyzing both the options of re-signing Ryu and not re-signing with Toronto, Ryu concluded that he should look for a new team.
“Ryu is not eligible because he accepted a qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019. There is clearly a demand for pitchers like Ryu, so it’s only a matter of time before he finds a new team. We don’t think Ryu will re-sign with Toronto next season.”