Hyun-jin Ryu Becomes Attractive Option for MLB Teams Amid High Free Agent Pitcher Prices

“We should have expectations for pitchers like Ryu Hyun-jin because…”

The 2023-2024 Major League free agent market is primarily a market for starting pitchers. Shohei Ohtani, who will not be able to take the mound in 2024, is still top-tier. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Aaron Nola, and Blake Snell are tied as the Big 4 following him.

These players must start with a guaranteed contract of at least $100 million. Yamamoto is even classified as a $200 million contract player. Teams needing to bolster their one-two punch keep an eye on these players, leading to intense competition with other teams and the players themselves.

However, not all Major League teams can aim for top-tier starting pitchers. The team’s internal environment and financial backing must support it. Therefore, some teams inevitably turn their attention to veteran starting pitchers who prefer short-term contracts at a lower price.

Puckett’s Pond of the Minnesota Twins’ fan nation suggested on the 9th (Korean time) that Minnesota will revert to a pay cut structure in 2024. According to Sportrac, Minnesota’s payroll for the 2023 season was about $154 million, and it is expected to be adjusted to between $125 million and $140 million in 2024 and 2025.

Puckett’s Pond stated, “Despite the payroll limit, it’s still possible for Minnesota to add value to the roster, but the likelihood of landing a big fish is less. Fans thinking of Blake Snell or Marcus Stroman should turn their expectations to players like James Paxton or Ryu Hyun-jin. Bargain shopping is the way forward for the team.”

Minnesota’s mound had an average ERA of 3.87 this season, ranking 4th in the American League. The starting pitchers’ average ERA was an impressive 3.82, ranking 1st. However, Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda have gained free agency eligibility. A qualifying offer was made to Gray, but rejection is inevitable.

The Athletic recently estimated Ryu Hyun-jin’s guaranteed contract to be $11 million for one year (approximately 14.4 billion KRW). Even if Minnesota sticks to a pay cut policy, the departure of Maeda and Gray would mean that investing in Ryu would have little impact on the team’s payroll. The advantage of a pitcher with a lower price tag is the ability to contact multiple teams without much burden.

The number of teams that want Ryu Hyun-jin is expected to be substantial. His guaranteed contract could be in the $10 million range, and he might even secure a term of 1+1 years or more. This acknowledges Ryu Hyun-jin’s unique strengths, such as control, command, and game management skills, rather than speed.

By. Kim Jin Sung