Jays Journal, which covers the Toronto Blue Jays for FanSided, has recognized the value of Hyun-jin Ryu (36, free agent). They give him a B+ for the 2023 season. Ryu is expected to command a one-year, $10 million contract in free agency. Scott Boras, the “Devil’s Agent,” is confident that Ryu will stay in the major leagues.
Ryu returned from Tommy John surgery and rehabilitation in August of this season and went 3-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 11 games. He proved that he was healthy and still worthy of a fourth or fifth starter in the majors. The Jays Journal wrote on Nov. 11, “Nicknamed the Monster, Ryu can surprise hitters with a slow 89 mph fastball and an even slower curveball. It suggests he could still add value to a major league rotation.”
The Jays Journal looked at Ryu’s four-year, $80 million contract. “He’s certainly proven his worth on and off the field.” It cited the 2020 shortened season in which he led Toronto to the postseason and finished third in the American League Cy Young voting, his 14 wins in 2021, his injury and surgery in 2022, and his return this season.굿모닝토토
“In 11 starts and 52 innings this season, he posted a 3.46 ERA. That’s a respectable number after surgery and a long layoff. In 60 games with Toronto, he went 24-15 with 269 strikeouts, 72 walks and a 3.97 ERA in 315 innings. “Pretty good,” he said.
It was also noted that he was a mentor and role model for young pitchers off the field. “Ryu will turn 37 in 2024, but he may still have some gas left in the tank,” the Jays Journal wrote. He’s a role model for young pitchers and a hero to a larger community.”
Which brings us to Alec Manoa, 25. He’s been exceptionally good for Ryu Hyun-jin. Even when he struggled mightily this season, he relied on Ryu for support. He even reunited with Ryu when he was in the final stages of his rehabilitation after being sent down to the Florida Rookie League.
“Hyun-jin Ryu has proven his worth as a role model for Manoa,” said the Jays Journal. “He’s a tremendous role model,” Manoa said. He’s definitely like a big brother to me, someone I can look up to. He’s been through a lot of things that I’m going to be going through. He’s been in the footsteps that I’m going to be in. I have a lot of respect for everything he’s done in the league.”
Ryu will likely join a team that lacks starting pitching depth. They’ll have young starters, and they might have another Manoa. That’s something to consider if you’re looking to sign Ryu. A coach can”t teach you everything on and off the field. In that sense, Ryu is definitely a valuable player.