“It’s natural if there are enough stories.”
This is what Ryu Hyun-jin, who regained free agency status at the end of his four-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, said at a press conference upon his arrival at Incheon Airport on the 18th (Korean time).
It should be seen that he has strongly expressed his intention to remain in the major leagues.
Regarding the free agent contract, Ryu Hyun-jin expressed a cautious stance, saying, “I don’t know yet. I think we will have to wait and see the situation first,” and then added, “If there is enough talk, (remaining in the major leagues) is natural. If not, what are the circumstances?” “It might happen,” he said.
“Enough of the story” is his own marketability. In other words, it refers to how many clubs are formed who are willing to buy Ryu Hyun-jin, and whether a team that presents the desired conditions appears.
Although Ryu Hyun-jin’s market value cannot be accurately determined because the postseason has not yet ended, many local media outlets are evaluating him positively as he has performed better than expected after returning in the second half of this season. It is expected that a team that needs 4th or 5th starters will need a veteran with a stable image like Ryu Hyun-jin.
MLB.com said early last month, ‘It is difficult for Ryu Hyun-jin to sign a contract like 4 years and $80 million. However, he said, “If he continues his steady pace, he could sign a pretty lucrative multi-year contract.”
First of all, it is unlikely that he will renew his contract with his original team, Toronto. This is because Toronto has solid 1st to 4th starters, and the 5th starter is likely to give opportunities to the team’s prospects. Alec Manoa, who showed severe ups and downs this year, is an ace candidate who pitched at Cy Young level last year. Although his growth is slow due to injuries, Nate Pearson is still a starting candidate. Ricky Tidman, a first-round draft pick in 2021, is preparing to make his major league debut by participating in the Arizona Fall League following his season.
So far, the teams that have been mentioned through local media as teams that could send a love call to Ryu Hyun-jin include the New York Mets, LA Angels, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, LA Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Most of these teams have postseason potential and need a veteran starter like Ryu Hyun-jin.
Ryu Hyun-jin, who returned last August after undergoing rehabilitation for one year and four months after receiving Tommy John surgery, said about his return season, “I said I would return in the second half of the year when I left the country in December last year, and I am satisfied that I kept that. The fact that I returned is good enough in itself. “I think I did it,” he said about his slump at the end of the season, “It’s because I couldn’t throw. I think (his velocity) will get better next year.”
This is a point where you can feel the confidence to survive in the major league. There are quite a few cases where velocity is restored after Tommy John surgery. Ryu Hyun-jin also seems to be looking forward to this. The average speed of Ryu Hyun-jin’s four-seam fastball this year was 88.6 miles per hour. Before his surgery last year, it was 89.3 miles. It would be great if he increased to 90.7 mph in 2019, which was his peak.
The analysis is that Ryu Hyun-jin has reached quite close to ‘Vintage Ryu’ after his return.메이저사이트 Ryu Hyun-jin’s strengths, which come from experience and qualifications such as ball control, speed control, and game management, were fully revealed. If his velocity is a little better, his chances of survival in the major leagues are high. The ability to digest innings that was blocked in 5 innings depends on how much stamina can be increased through this offseason.
Regarding his return to the Hanwha Eagles, Ryu Hyun-jin said, “My feelings have not changed. Of course I will do so.” At his farewell ceremony in January 2013, he said about where he sees himself 10 years from now, “I will be throwing hard at Hanwha.” It is highly likely that Ryu Hyun-jin, who is expected to pursue a 1+1 year or 2 year contract this time, will return to Hanwha at the end of next year or 2025.