Multiple reports out of South Korea are indicating that Hyun-Jin Ryu is heading back home. Ryu has reached an agreement with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization. The Eagles are expecting to announce Ryu’s signing within the next day or so. Details of the contract have yet to be provided at this time. However, Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News did not that the deal would make Ryu the KBO’s highest-paid player.
Hanwha Eagles said they will announce their signing of free agent pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu on Wednesday (Korean time). He’s expected to become the highest-paid player in #KBO.
Ryu first pitched for the Eagles from 2006 to 2012. Was MVP and Rookie of the Year in 2006.— Jeeho Yoo (@Jeeho_1) February 20, 2024
Hyun-Jin Ryu Heads Back to the KBO
There was much potential for the South Korean pitcher when he made his MLB debut in 2013. Ryu was named Rookie of the Year and the MVP in the same season. He was also a seven-time KBO all-star, a five-time strikeout champion, a two-time ERA champ, and a two-time Gold Glove winner. Since playing in the majors and most recently the Toronto Blue Jays, Ryu has only made one All-Star appearance through ten seasons. In 10 years with the Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, Ryu owns a 78-48 lifetime record, pitching with a 3.37 ERA and led baseball in ERA (2.32) back in 2019.
During the 2023 season, Ryu’s most effective put-away pitch had to be his curveball. Out of 142 curveballs thrown this past season, he made 35 percent of batters whiff at his curveball. He struck out about 24 percent of batters with his pitch, but batters recorded a .286 average against Ryu’s curve. Batters had a .133 average against his sinker on the other hand. The 2019 National League All-Star threw his sinker 79 times in 2023. Even with his curveball being effective at times, smart hitters will be able to identify the pitch sooner or later.
Last Season’s Stats for the 2019 NL All-Star
During the 2022 season, Ryu suffered damage to his UCL and underwent Tommy John surgery. He wouldn’t make his first start in 2023 until August 1st. In 11 starts, the 2019 NL all-star posted a 3-3 record. Through 52 innings pitched he posted a 3.46 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Ryu’s best start of the 2023 season had to be on August 20th against the Cleveland Guardians. Hyun pitched five innings and allowed two runs on four hits while having seven strikeouts in a 10-3 win. A healthy Hyun-jin Ryu will look to make 2024 a healthy and memorable season.
Ryu’s Return to the Eagles
Ryu made his debut with the Eagles in 2006 as a 19-year-old. On top of winning the league’s MVP award as a rookie, Ryu put himself in the conversation as one of the most dominant pitchers in Korea. The southpaw turn in a 2.80 ERA in 190 appearances over a seven-year tenure with the Eagles. Due to Ryu leaving the Eagles through posting instead of free agency, the Eagles retain his rights. They would have have to release his rights in order for him to be a KBO free agent.
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