“Hyun-jin Ryu could have pitched again in Toronto…” Hyun-jin Ryu ‘best case scenario’ for free agency? 4 or 5 starts
Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays) 바카라 successfully made a soft landing after completing Tommy John surgery and rehabilitation in one year and two months. The 2023 Major League Baseball away game against the Colorado Rockies, which will be held at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, USA on the 2nd (Korean time), is a critical moment. Ryu Hyun-jin also pitched in 7 games during his time with the LA Dodgers, recording 1 win, 4 losses, and an ERA of 7.09 during his time with the LA Dodgers.
However, Ryu Hyun-jin is at a better pace than expected after his return. 3 wins, 1 loss, ERA 2.25 in 5 games. In fact, it is widely accepted that it is almost impossible to regain his skills immediately after Tommy John surgery. This simply means that he cannot immediately regain the sense of pitch that pitchers have, regardless of velocity.
In that respect, the industry’s view is that Ryu Hyun-jin’s pitching sense is innate. He once again surprised people with his ultra-slow curve. Jay’s Journal, which covers Toronto at FanSided, also said on the 1st, “The standard recovery time for Tommy John surgery is 12 to 18 months. “There was a good chance Ryu Hyun-jin wouldn’t be able to pitch in Toronto again.”
J’s Journal briefly reviewed Ryu Hyun-jin’s actions since signing a four-year, $80 million contract in December 2019. “He had four tumultuous years,” he said. In any case, it is impossible for Toronto to recover the full $80 million. Instead, it is important to make the most of Ryu Hyun-jin’s remaining 5-6 appearances in the regular season and challenge to advance to the postseason for the second year in a row.
Ryu Hyun-jin has yet to make a quality start since returning. However, he was hit by a batted ball once and suddenly retired due to injury, and a few times he limited the number of pitches from the bench or intentionally started the bullpen early. It’s not that Ryu Hyun-jin showed enough content to not be able to make a quality start. It is expected that quality start pitching will be possible at any time.
If Ryu Hyun-jin shows decent performance in September, there is no reason for Toronto not to renew his contract in the 2023-2024 free agent market. Anyway, he has a history of numerous injuries and is old. It doesn’t seem easy to secure a period of more than 1-2 years. However, considering these variables and considering him as a 4-5 starter, Ryu Hyun-jin could be an attractive card.
The Jays Journal said, “There are several question marks in the starting rotation for the 2024 season. “The most obvious one is Alec Manoa,” he said. “Ryu Hyun-jin’s strong play this season means that he has truly created the possibility of renewing his contract.” At the end of this season, we will be able to see whether Toronto will seek to renew Ryu Hyun-jin’s contract.