The value of the “Korean Monster,” Hyun-jin Ryu (36, Toronto Blue Jays), may be diminishing.
“If the Pirates want to add starting pitching, they should look to the international free agent market,” Rumbunter, who covers Pittsburgh for FanSided in the U.S., said on Aug. 26.
As of Sept. 26, the Pirates were 74-82, good for fourth place in the National League Central. Even if they win all of their remaining games, they will not make the postseason.
Pittsburgh’s biggest problem is its weak starting rotation. Aside from Mitch Keller (13 wins), no pitcher has 10 wins. The team ERA is also high at 4.62.
Ryu Hyun-jin has been mentioned as a possible starting pitching option.
“With top pitchers like Sonny Gray and Blake Snell out of contract in the offseason, the next level of pitching will be the target,” said Fansided. “I wouldn’t stop Pittsburgh from pursuing Hyun-jin Ryu, Genta Maeda, and Michael Lorenzen, but it would be nice to see them find a higher-level starting option.”
Ryu didn’t take the mound until August of this year after undergoing elbow surgery last year. He pitched well in August, but struggled against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 24, giving 안전놀이터 up five runs on seven hits (three homers) and four walks in 4 1/3 innings. In September, he hasn’t won a game in five starts and has two losses.
Ryu’s age and injury history could be a factor.
The media emphasized that Imana should pursue signing Japanese pitchers with potential, such as Shota and Yushinobu Yamamoto.