Korean Monster’ Ryu Hyun-jin (36) is still attracting attention in the American professional baseball Major League (MLB) free agent (FA) market. On the 18th (Korean time), MLB.com first mentioned Ryu Hyun-jin in an article titled “5 FA starting resources worth quietly recruiting.” The media introduced a total of 5 pitchers, including Ryu Hyun-jin, saying, “There are still excellent starting resources such as Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery who will sign long-term large contracts, but there are also pitchers who are hidden gems.”
MLB.com said, “Although Ryu Hyun-jin is past his prime, there is hope that he can still show a strong performance.” Ryu Hyun-jin, who underwent elbow ligament fusion surgery in June 2022, returned in August of last year and played 52 innings in 11 games. He said, “He achieved a good ERA of 3.46. He still has the qualities of a good starting pitcher.”
The media pointed out that “Ryu Hyun-jin has experienced loss of power due to shoulder surgery in addition to elbow surgery, and his fastball velocity has remained in the bottom half of MLB,” but predicted, “If he maintains his health, he will be able to have a good season in 2024.”Ryu Hyun-jin, whose contract with the Toronto Blue Jays has ended, is waiting for love calls from MLB clubs. Separately from his contract, he is undergoing personal training in Okinawa, Japan to prepare for the next season. In addition to Ryu Hyun-jin, MLB.com selected left-hander James Paxton, right-hander Michael Lorenzen, Jacob Junis, 스포츠토토존 and Carlos Carrasco as useful starting resources remaining in the free agent market.