The New York Yankees, in their quest to fortify their starting rotation this offseason, are reportedly considering former Dodgers and Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu. This move would align with the Yankees’ strategy of adding depth rather than another ace, given the presence of Gerrit Cole and the potential resurgence of Carlos Rodón in 2024.
Yankees consider strategic signing of Hyun-Jin Ryu
As reported by SNY’s Anthony McCarron, the Yankees are exploring various avenues to strengthen their roster. McCarron suggests that New York could benefit from a less flashy but potentially rewarding signing, such as Ryu. He mentions, “Not every transaction has to be a blockbuster. Maybe the Yanks can hit on a reclamation project pitcher. Is that as sexy as signing Yamamoto would’ve been? Heck, no. But teams can build rosters in so many ways.”
Among the available pitchers, Ryu, James Paxton, and Michael Lorenzen are notable options. Ryu, despite his recent injury setbacks, which limited him to just 17 starts over two seasons, and Paxton, known for his frequent injuries, offer potential high rewards. Lorenzen, who pitched a no-hitter last year, also remains a viable candidate. However, Ryu, with his impressive track record, including a career 3.27 ERA and an All-Star selection during his tenure with the Dodgers, emerges as a particularly intriguing possibility for the Yankees.
Ryu’s performance in the 2023 season, marked by a 3.46 ERA over 11 starts with Toronto, underscores his capability. As a seasoned 10-year veteran, Ryu could be a strategic low-cost, high-upside addition for New York. While the Yankees could still pursue other high-profile pitchers like Jordan Montgomery, Ryu’s acquisition could provide a valuable enhancement to their pitching lineup.
In summary, the Yankees are looking to bolster their starting rotation without necessarily adding another top-tier ace. Hyun-Jin Ryu, with his proven track record and potential for a strong comeback, appears to be a prime candidate for this role. His signing would represent a savvy move by the Yankees, blending experience, skill, and cost-effectiveness to enhance their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
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I think they missed out on the best (Japanese) pitcher available. Anyone after Moto is Cashman dumpster diving.