Several starting pitchers have left the team this winter. Blake Snell, the winner and ace of the 2023 National League Cy Young Award, is seeking a transfer to another team with his free agent status, while Michael Waka and Seth Lugo have joined the Kansas City Royals. Nick Martinez also opted to transfer to the Cincinnati Reds. San Diego, which is suffering from financial difficulties, had no choice but to watch its key players leave.
However, the team can recruit players with good cost-effectiveness. Josh Hader, a special bullpen pitcher, left for the Houston Astros, but the San Diego Padres recruited Yuki Matsui (five years, 28 million U.S. dollars) and Korea's top-rated closing pitcher Ko Woo-suk (two plus one year, up to 9.4 million dollars). In addition, the team also embraces F.A. bullpen pitcher Wandy Peralta (a total of 16.5 million dollars for four years). Although the team cannot invest a lot in recruiting players, the San Diego Padres have beefed up players by aiming for low cost and high efficiency.
Although the back door has been strengthened, the starting lineup is still full of instability. Except for Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King, there is no starting pitcher with a calculation. This is why local media in the U.S. argue that San Diego should reinforce the starting lineup. San Diego can also move again to reinforce its power as there are still experienced starting resources in the FA market.
The most notable player is Ryu, too. Ryu, who ended his four-year, $80 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020, has qualified as an FA and is seeking a new team. However, he could not sign a contract due to his age and injury history in his late 30s. Even after the spring training of pitchers and catchers began, Ryu is still unbeatable.
Ryu is an experienced veteran pitcher. Making his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, Ryu had 78 wins and 48 losses with a 3.27 ERA in 186 career big league games. He underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2022 season, but returned healthy in 2023, posting a 3-3 record with a 3.46 ERA in 52 innings in 11 games.
Ryu has overwhelmed major league hitters with his signature ball control. Although Ryu is not able to throw strong balls as he used to, he showed his presence by mixing his ball control that pokes into every corner of the strike zone, big curves, and sharp changeups. Still healthy, Ryu has proven competitive.
San Diego AJ Preller also expressed his willingness to recruit additional players. The Major League's official website MLB.com on Monday (Korea time) mentioned the team's prospects for this season. "We have been very active during this offseason. We have and will continue to do so. It could be different when the season is over from the team that started spring training," Preller told local media.
We can also strengthen our starting pitchers." "I like our players who are participating in spring training. But we're always open. There are never enough starting pitchers. This is the truth. We're always looking for players to add starting pitchers," Preller said.
In an interview video released by "97.3 The Fan," a local radio station in San Diego, U.S., Preller gave his assessment on Ryu. "Ryu returned from injury last year and showed good health. I felt respect for him," Preller said.
While San Diego is considered a destination for Ryu, Ryu Hyun-jin is listed at the top of the list of cost-effective starting pitchers. The U.S. sports media "The Athletic" introduced the top 10 remaining FA players in the market, with Ryu Hyun-jin ranked eighth.
"Ryu Hyun-jin returned from elbow surgery in August last year, leaving strong impression for the rest of the season," said The Athletic. He pitched five innings in six of the matches, and took charge of six innings in the remaining one. The ball speed ranged from 87 miles (about 140 kilometers) to 89 miles (about 143 kilometers), but the change-up hit rate was only 0.238 in the last season.
Despite his impressive performance, he also predicted that a long-term contract would be impossible in reality. Ryu is now in the twilight of his career and has injury issues. "Ryu returned healthy. However, he has to accept a one-year contract because of the risk of injury," said The Athletic.
Perhaps a team that has taken a step back from the ranking competition will be Ryu's destination. Teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, and Oakland Athletics can recruit Ryu Hyun-jin and use it as a trade card with competing teams in the ranking before the trade deadline.
A team that needs to strengthen its starting rotation may become his new team. Five starting pitchers are not enough for a season. When an injured or sluggish player is present, a replacement card is needed. In this regard, the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Brewers may sign Ryu.
While multiple clubs want Ryu Hyun-jin, if San Diego recruits Ryu Hyun-jin, three Korean major leaguers will be seen playing for one team. On the day Ryu Hyun-jin takes the mound as a starting pitcher, Kim Ha-sung hits a home run and Ko Woo-seok protects the lead.
Kim Ha-sung also said, "I want to play with Ryu Hyun-jin. It is an honor to be able to play with him. He is considered a veteran pitcher in the Major League Baseball as well. It will be a huge help to the San Diego Padres."
Attention is focusing on whether San Diego, which desperately needs to strengthen its starting pitcher, will join hands with Ryu Hyun-jin.
BY: 스포츠토토