Is it too much for Toronto to bring back Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays), whose contract has expired?
‘MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR)’, which specializes in major league transfer news, predicted Ryu Hyun-jin’s future as he becomes a free agent through an article titled ‘Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason outlook’ on the 15th (Korean time).
Ryu Hyun-jin held a grand induction ceremony at Rogers Center in Toronto, Canada, his home stadium, on December 28, 2019. It was a celebration of the arrival of Ryu Hyun-jin, who became the new ace in Toronto, on a four-year contract worth $80 million (approximately 108 billion won).
With then-general manager Ross Atkins, president Mark Shapiro, and agent Scott Boras looking on, Ryu Hyun-jin said “Hello Canada, Bonjour” in English and French and said, “I am happy to be in Toronto, and I will make the Toronto Blue Jays team proud.” He expressed his aspirations.
The recruitment of Ryu Hyun-jin was a godsend. At least that was the case for the first year of his contract. In the 2020 season, where the number of games was reduced due to COVID-19, he led the team to advance to the postseason for the first time in four years with 5 wins, 2 losses, and an average ERA of 2.69 in 12 games. He also predicted a successful life in Toronto by finishing third in the Cy Young Award (American League) voting, the highest honor for a major league pitcher.
However, Ryu Hyun-jin suffered a severe slump at the end of the 162-game full-time season the following year, disappointing Toronto fans. Afterwards, in 2022, he suffered a slump with 2 wins in 6 games and an ERA of 5.67, and ended the season early after undergoing left elbow ligament fusion surgery in June.
Ryu Hyun-jin also had 3 wins and 3 losses in 11 games in the 2023 season, the final year of his contract, with an ERA of 3.46. Due to the aftereffects of surgery, he only made his return in August, and until mid-September, he cruised along, being called a man of will, but then performed poorly in the game against the Tampa Bay Rays on the 24th (4⅓ innings, 5 runs) and on October 1st against the Tampa Bay Rays (3 innings, 2 runs). did. Ryu Hyun-jin was not trusted by the bench and was eliminated from the Wild Card Series entry.
Ryu Hyun-jin, who will qualify as a free agent in the upcoming Stove League. Where will his next destination be? MLBTR said, “Ryu Hyun-jin returned from Tommy John surgery this year and showed good pitching. He said, “He could be a candidate for Toronto’s contract renewal.” 안전놀이터
However, a question mark was cast as to whether he would actually conclude the contract. MLBTR analyzed, “Considering how much money Toronto has invested in the starting lineup, Ryu Hyun-jin may expect a larger contract.”
According to MLBTR, Toronto is expected to fill the fifth spot in the starting rotation with a veteran inning eater next season. A plan to promote Ricky Tiedemann, who is considered a star prospect in the minor league Triple A, is also being considered.
In conclusion, the view is that Ryu Hyun-jin needs to lower his gaze in order to be included in the list of veteran innings eaters. In the opposite case, Ryu Hyun-jin will have to look for another team.