Hyun Jin Ryu could also be headed again to South Korea. Jee-ho Yoo of Yonhap Information reviews that the KBO’s Hanwha Eagles have tendered a standing test on the veteran left-hander, the mandatory process for a KBO crew to pursue a participant from MLB. A crew official with Hanwha tells Yoo the edges have had “optimistic dialogue” in contract discussions, though the deal has not but been finalized.
Numerous reviews out of South Korea on Tuesday morning indicated that Ryu was signing with the Eagles. The crew has denied that there’s an settlement in place, though it appears doubtless that’ll be formally ironed out within the coming days. A Korean-language report from X Sports activities signifies the edges have mentioned a four-year contract value upwards of 17 billion gained (equal to only over $12.4MM). That might make for the most important contract in KBO historical past.
Ryu debuted with the Eagles in 2006 at age 19. He gained the league’s MVP award as a rookie because of a 2.23 ERA by 201 2/3 innings. The southpaw turned in a 2.80 ERA in 190 appearances over a seven-year run with the Eagles. After the 2012 season, Hanwha introduced they’d make Ryu accessible to main league groups by the posting system.
Below the MLB-KBO posting guidelines in impact on the time, groups positioned blind bids for the best to unique negotiation with the participant. The Dodgers bid upwards of $25MM to win that public sale. That opened a 30-day window for them to signal Ryu. The edges ultimately got here to a six-year, $36MM assure with numerous efficiency bonuses.
It turned out to be a superb funding. Ryu pitched to a good 3.00 ERA over 30 begins in his debut marketing campaign, ending fourth in NL Rookie of the Yr balloting. He turned in a 3.38 mark throughout his sophomore season earlier than shedding virtually all of 2015-16 to shoulder and elbow issues. Ryu hung out on the injured listing with numerous lower-body issues between 2017-18 however remained efficient when wholesome. He completed his Dodger tenure with a flourish, delivering 182 2/3 innings with an MLB-best 2.32 ERA in 2019. He secured an All-Star nod and a runner-up end to Jacob deGrom in NL Cy Younger balloting.
That stellar 12 months couldn’t have been timed any higher. Ryu returned to free company that winter, this time with all 30 groups eligible to place in presents. He signed a four-year, $80MM pact with the Blue Jays going into 2020. By two seasons, it regarded like a powerful transfer. Ryu turned in a 2.69 ERA over 12 begins in the course of the abbreviated schedule, ending third in Cy Younger balloting. He wasn’t as dominant the next season however managed an inexpensive 4.37 ERA whereas beginning a career-high 31 video games.
Ryu’s closing two seasons had been impacted by damage. He battled forearm points early within the ’22 marketing campaign. An try to pitch by the damage was unsuccessful and he required Tommy John surgical procedure in June. That saved him off an MLB mound effectively into the 2023 season.
The Jays reinstated Ryu on August 1. He managed 11 begins within the closing two months, working to a 3.46 ERA. That’s strong manufacturing however wasn’t with out some worrisome indicators. His fastball velocity sat at a personal-low 88.6 MPH. He struck out simply 17% of opposing hitters and allowed 1.56 residence runs per 9 innings. The Jays deployed him in a really sheltered function. Skipper John Schneider known as on Ryu to work past 5 innings simply as soon as. He solely confronted an opposing hitter for a 3rd time in an look on 33 events.
That every one labored towards Ryu as he returned to the open marketplace for what’ll be his age-37 season. At first of the offseason, he stated it was his desire to stay in MLB. It’s very doubtless that Ryu may’ve gotten a giant league contract supply — the Mets and Padres reportedly confirmed curiosity — however it’s doable the market from main league groups wasn’t as sturdy as he’d anticipated.
Regardless of the rationale, Ryu appears more likely to return to his residence nation. He’d spoken earlier than about eager to pitch for the Eagles between the top of his time in MLB and his total enjoying profession. It seems he’ll do exactly that on what could also be a record-setting contract that runs by his age-40 season.
Assuming the deal is accomplished, this virtually definitely marks the top of Ryu’s time within the main leagues. He has had a superb MLB profession, permitting 3.27 earned runs per 9 in 186 appearances. He tossed 1055 1/3 innings, struck out 934 batters, and picked up 78 wins. A two-time Cy Younger finalist, he additionally obtained down-ballot MVP votes in 2019 and ’20. Ryu made 9 playoff begins over 5 separate seasons, working to a 4.54 ERA in 41 2/3 frames.
Picture courtesy of USA Right this moment Sports activities.