Will free agent Korean Monster Ryu Hyun-jin be back in an LA Dodgers uniform after five years?
‘Dodgers Nation,’ which focuses on Dodgers news, emphasized the need to bolster the starting pitching staff and mentioned Ryu Hyun-jin as a possible signing. On the 20th (KST), the outlet reported, “The Dodgers’ biggest need is a starting pitcher. They are expected to reinforce the starting staff in the free agency market.”
“Dodger Nation” listed Hyun-jin Ryu, Zach Flaherty, Lucas Giolito, Corey Kluber, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha as possible candidates, saying, “Whoever comes to the Dodgers will help the starting staff.굿모닝토토 도메인
Hyun-jin Ryu spent six years with the Dodgers, starting in 2013, going 54-33 with a 2.98 ERA in 126 career appearances. He was a mainstay in the Dodgers’ starting rotation, winning 14 games in 2013, 2014, and 2019.
The outlet said of Ryu, “Many fans would love to see a reunion with Ryu. Ryu was a fan favorite when he played for the Dodgers. He can be a reliable left-handed pitcher in the starting rotation.” “He was limited to 11 appearances this season after rehabbing from elbow ligament reconstruction surgery and posted a 3.46 ERA.”
“The Dodgers have a number of options to bolster their starting rotation in the offseason and hope to make effective investments,” said ‘Dodger Nation’, “It’s impossible to prepare for next season without making major additions. The club will do everything it can to ensure that it has a strong starting rotation.”
Bringing back Ryu could be a good option for the Dodgers to bolster their starting rotation, but a multi-year deal seems unlikely, according to local media.
The Los Angeles Times took a look at the pros and cons of 35 free agents on the free agent market on Tuesday, as well as a look ahead to next season. Included was Ryu Hyun-jin, whose four-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays has expired.
“Ryu was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, when he pitched to a 2.32 ERA and led the National League in ERA. That led to a four-year, $80 million free agent contract with Toronto.”
However, it is unlikely that he will be able to sign a multi-year contract like in the past. Ryu will turn 37 next year, and his history of injuries and surgeries have been cited as factors that make a multi-year deal unlikely.
“After signing a four-year deal with Toronto, Hyun-jin Ryu has struggled with injuries and hit and miss performances. He’s a free agent again, but expect a contract in the range of $10 million a year next season,” the LA Times reported.
At Jamsil Stadium, where the fifth game of the Korean Series was played on the 13th, Ryu said, “I’ll have to listen to offers from various clubs first. I think I’ll hear something around mid-December, but for now, I’m waiting. I’m not sure yet,” he said.