Ryu Hyun-jin
Of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB) gives an interview after
returning home from the season at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 1 on
Monday afternoon. Ryu, who became a free agent at the end of the season after
signing a four-year contract with Toronto, went 3-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 52 innings in 11 games this season.
The future of Ryu Hyun-jin, 36, of the Toronto Blue Jays, is in the spotlight after
his spectacular comeback from a year-long rehabilitation. There is a lot of talk
about whether he will stay in the Major League Baseball (MLB) or turn to the KBO, but the player himself is keeping quiet.
Ryu returned home via Incheon International Airport on Nov. 18. Ryu, who
returned to the big leagues 13 months after undergoing elbow ligament
reconstruction surgery last season, said, “I’m more satisfied with my return to
health than with my performance,” as he concluded the 2023 season.
It’s been an eventful four years for Ryu, who signed a four-year, $80 million
contract with Toronto after the 2019 season. He had a shortened season due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, and his season ended prematurely due to an elbow
injury. This year, the final year of his four-year deal, was a mixed bag, with a 3-3
record and 3.46 ERA in 11 starts after returning from injury.
Ryu Hyun-jin
Of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB) gives an interview after
returning home from the season at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 1 on
Monday afternoon. Ryu, who became a free agent at the end of the season after
signing a four-year contract with Toronto, went 3-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 52 innings in 11 games this season.
Now that he’s a free agent again, Hyun-jin Ryu is taking his time deciding where to go next.
When asked in an interview after returning home about his future, he said, “I can’t say anything yet. Only time will tell,” he said.
His priority is to stay in the big leagues. He’s proven he can be competitive after
returning from injury, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that a team with a weaker starting rotation could make an offer.
Ryu also indirectly expressed his desire to continue his career in the MLB, saying,
“I think it’s natural (to stay) if there’s talks with the club.”
While it may not happen right away, he still wants to finish his career with his hometown team, the Hanwha Eagles.
“My mind (to retire with Hanwha) hasn’t changed, and of course I’ll do it,” Ryu emphasized. As always, he said he will continue to train with Hanwha players this year, if conditions permit, to prepare for next season.
While he doesn’t yet know which team he will play for next season, Ryu promises to do better.
“I think I’ll do better next year than I did this year. During my surgery and rehabilitation, I received a lot of support and encouragement, and I’m very grateful. I will work hard to prepare so that I can give you joy with a good game.” 스포츠토토맨