Will the Hanwha Eagles finally embrace the ‘Korean Monster’?
Ryu Hyun-jin (37)’s return to Hanwha is becoming a reality.
Ryu joined Hanwha in the second round (2nd overall) of the 2006 rookie draft, and in his first year, he went 18-6 with a 2.23 ERA in 30 appearances, winning the rookie of the year and regular season MVP honors. He continued to be a consistent ace for Hanwha until 2012, when he finished his career with a 98-52-1 record and a 2.80 ERA in 190 games.
The Korean stage was narrow for Ryu. In 2013, he signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers through the posting system.
After serving as the Dodgers’ top starter, 카지노사이트 he signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays after the 2019 season.
He underwent elbow surgery in June 2022, but returned in 2023, going 3-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 11 appearances. In his major league career, Ryu has a 78-48 record with a 3.27 ERA in 186 games.
Ryu’s future in the major leagues has been one of staying in the major leagues.
His agent, Scott Boras, said at last year’s Winter Meetings that “next year (2024), he will still be playing in the United States, not Korea,” and that “staying in the major leagues is his top priority.”
The local media was also favorable. MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball in the United States, wrote, “There are plenty of quality players left in free agency,” and “Ryu may not be flashy, but he can help bolster any team’s starting rotation.
In fact, multiple teams have shown interest in Ryu. From Kim Ha-seong and Ko Woo-sung’s team, the San Diego Padres, to the “hometown” Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, and Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryu’s name has been mentioned by teams in need of starting reinforcements.
The major league clubs didn’t move as quickly as expected. While big-name signings like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have been made, the “biggest names” Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell are still unsigned. Naturally, ‘semi-significant’ players such as Ryu Hyun-jin are starting to get pushed back. Major League Baseball teams are in spring training and heading into exhibition games, but it will be a while before Ryu’s turn to sign.
San Diego, which had been considered the most likely destination for Ryu, has also fallen out of the running.
“The Padres, who are short on left-handed starters, have been in talks with the veteran, but Scott Boras is not willing to accept a discounted offer for Ryu, who is coming off the second Tommy John surgery of his career,” The Athletic reported.
As the options are being eliminated one by one, Hanwha has been steadily making offers.
Hanwha has been in constant contact with Ryu since the end of the season, making him their No. 0 priority. The team has also been preparing for salary cap issues and has been working out scenarios for Ryu’s return.
If he signs a contract, the highest amount in free agency history will be finalized. Currently, the most expensive player to return from overseas is Kim Kwang-hyun, who signed with SSG Landers in 2022 after playing in the major leagues, 안전놀이터 totaling 15.1 billion won over four years. Ryu is expected to surpass Kim’s amount.
In the meantime, it was reported that Ryu has packed up all his belongings in the United States and sent them to Korea.
Hanwha also gave a more nuanced response. “It is true that we are talking in a better atmosphere than before. “We have reached a consensus,” said a Hanwha representative, adding, “We understand that there are better offers from Major League Baseball than what is known. It’s not yet finalized, but the atmosphere is good.” The official added, “I think we can expect some expectations since I sent my luggage from the U.S. to Korea. I have a strong feeling that I want him to come, so I’m thinking positively,” the official smiled.
All that remains is Ryu’s determination. For the Hanwha Eagles, the wait is starting to come to an end.