MLB.com “How about Ryu Hyun-jin and the Dodgers reunite?”

Ryu Hyun-jin begins his career in the U.S. with the Dodgers in 2013

Ryu Hyun-jin during his time playing for the Dodgers

MLB.com had a romantic fantasy of left-handed pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (36), who qualified as a free agent (FA), reuniting with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On the 2nd (Korean time), MLB.com selected 'Top 10 reunions between players and clubs we want to see', recalling the relationship between Ryu Hyun-jin and the Dodgers.

Ryu Hyun-jin, who started his professional career with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Professional Baseball League in 2006, attempted to enter the United States through a posting (private competitive bidding) in 2013 and signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Dodgers.At that time, the Dodgers paid a transfer fee of $25,737,737 to Hanwha.

Until 2019, Ryu Hyun-jin appeared in 126 games for the Dodgers and posted a record of 54 wins, 33 losses, 1 save, and an ERA of 2.98.

MLB.com said, “There were moments when Ryu Hyun-jin was not on the mound (due to injury), but when he was healthy, he dominated the mound,” and “In 2019, he started 29 games and pitched well with an ERA of 2.32 (14 wins, 5 losses). “I also ranked second in the National League Cy Young Award voting.”

Ryu Hyun-jin qualified as a free agent at the end of the 2019 season and signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

MLB.com pointed out, "After moving to Toronto, Ryu Hyun-jin suffered from injuries more often, and his status has fallen compared to his time with the Dodgers." However, "Ryu Hyun-jin can still play as a valuable pitcher if managed carefully. The Dodgers will keep him in the starting lineup throughout the 2023 season." “Remember, we thought about it,” he said, analyzing that the Dodgers can still utilize Ryu Hyun-jin appropriately.

Ryu Hyun-jin, who played for the Dodgers

Ryu Hyun-jin, born in 1987, underwent left elbow ligament fusion surgery in June of last year, and returned to the big leagues this year, posting 3 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 3.46 in 11 games.

He proved his competitiveness in the big leagues by using pitch control and a variety of pitches.

Due to his age and surgery history, Ryu Hyun-jin is not receiving much attention in this free agency market.

However, many local U.S. media outlets introduced Ryu Hyun-jin as a pitcher who would be suitable for a team in need of a starting pitcher.

Scott Boras, Ryu Hyun-jin's agent, predicted Ryu Hyun-jin's stay in the big league, saying, "There is a lot of interest from big league teams," and "I will pitch in the U.S. next year as well."

Ryu Hyun-jin is also leaving open the possibility of returning to Korea.

When he entered the major league, Ryu Hyun-jin was not a ‘KBO free agent.’If Ryu Hyun-jin decides to return to Korea, he must sign with Hanwha.

MLB.com expected the reunion of Elvis Andrus and the Texans, Aoldis Chapman and the Cincinnati Reds, and Josh Donaldson and the Oakland Athletics. 슬롯사이트