Could we see Ryu Hyun-jin, 36, pitching in a Hanwha uniform again in the KBO anytime soon? It’s looking increasingly likely.
While the Stoble League is winding down, Ryu has yet to sign with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. There have been several rumors in the local media about Ryu’s new destination, but nothing has been agreed upon. No specific move has been confirmed.
Major league teams have already started spring training, so there’s not much time left for Ryu to make his choice. In any case, the decision is being delayed because the conditions are not favorable, which makes a return to South Korea more likely than not.
Ryu is eligible for free agency for the second time after his four-year, $80 million contract with Toronto ended at the end of last season.
Based on his performance since returning from injury last season, many experts believe that Ryu is still capable of playing in the big leagues.
Ryu hasn’t been bad since his return last August, going 3-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 11 games.
However, his durability issues due to multiple surgeries and his age are question marks that are preventing him from getting a multi-year contract or the terms he wants.
Realistically, a one-year or 1+1 year deal is expected, but there is still talk of teams wanting Ryu.
The longer he delays signing with an MLB team, the more likely it is that he will return to his hometown team, the Hanwha Eagles.
Ryu, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers through the posting system (closed competitive bidding) after the 2012 season, would have to return to Hanwha if he returns to the KBO. He has repeatedly emphasized that he would return to Hanwha.
Currently, there are several rumors that the Hanwha organization has set a contract size for Ryu’s return. The most directly affected broadcasters are also preparing for Ryu’s return.
“The conditions that Ryu receives locally are more of a gray area, neither good nor bad,” said a baseball official. So it won’t be easy to decide,” he said, adding, “He’s definitely going to Hanwha next year. The advice around him is that it’s better to come in a year early and show that he is healthy and competitive.
If Ryu Hyun-jin returns to Hanwha, it will certainly be 토토사이트 the most expensive contract ever. The current record is 15.2 billion won ($15.2 million) over 4+2 years for free agent Yang Ji-hyun, who returned to the struggling Doosan Bears.
Aside from Ryu’s importance to Hanwha, there’s no reason why Hanwha shouldn’t guarantee the highest amount in terms of his ability to play in the big leagues.
The veteran’s return would also be a huge boost for Hanwha, which is rebuilding around younger players like Moon Dong-ju, Kim Seo-hyun, and Noh Si-hwan.
“We are in constant contact with Ryu,” said a Hanwha representative, “and we definitely want him to join us. I can’t say anything specific, but internally, we have set up a framework regarding the size of the contract when he returns.”
Of course, the final choice is up to Ryu. We won’t know until the final signing. However, it is true that the return rumors are getting louder. The more time that passes, the more likely it is that Ryu will return to Hanwha, which was once considered a ‘no way’.
