The New York Yankees have been quite impressive this offseason. They were in deep trouble after the 2023 season. After all, they failed to qualify for the postseason last year. On top of that, they finished with an awful 82-80 record. The Bronx Bombers also had to take care of their offense, which was not looking good at the end of the last season. They had the second-worst batting average in the league in 2023. Only the nine-time champions, the Oakland Athletics, had it worse than the 27-time champions last season. Moreover, the Injured List being too long created more problems for the Yankees. It might hurt them this year, too.
Albeit, the NY side brought reinforcements in their outfield and offense, their pitching department still looks a bit shaky. The initial plan was to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a starting pitcher who could play alongside the 2023 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. When the Japanese ace signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it hurt the Yankees real bad. But then, there are other options like Blake Snell that are still available. However, the NY side chose to go with Marcus Stroman, signing him for a two-year deal worth $37 million. Moreover, there is an ex-Blue Jays hurler the Bombers can sign this offseason.
Hyun-Jin Ryu Is A Viable Target For The Yankees
Previously, the media and the fans were linking the Yankees with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. But the NY side might not be willing to shell out the cash for landing either of them. Moreover, it would really surprise the fans and the media. Anyhow, the Yankees can still land a former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher. That would make way more sense. Hyun-Jin Ryu won’t cost a lot for the Bronx Bombers. He was also part of the Los Angeles Dodgers at one point in time. Currently, Ryu is a free agent and looking for the next big break in MLB.
Last season, he only appeared in 11 games for the Toronto Blue Jays. However, he gave a solid performance in the brief outing he had with the Blue Jays. Ryu posted an impressive 3.46 ERA and a good strikeout-to-walk ratio, 38 to 14. He had been an All-Star once. In 10 seasons, Ryu has a career average of 3.27 ERA. He can really raise the floor of the Yankees if they are still looking to add another hurler. Anyway, the NY side should better their chances since they have a shaky group of starting pitchers.
Why Ryu Is Perfect For The Bombers?
This former Blue Jays hurler is not flashy. But on the mound, he has been quite dependable. However, he is 36 years old. But the good thing is he won’t cost much. If Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner really want to improve the rotation, then they should take a chance on the ex-All-Star.
Why won’t they take a chance on him, really? As it seems the Yankees are not looking to sign a big contract with any pitcher. That’s why they are keeping the best starting pitcher hanging. Albeit, Blake Snell has asked for a very high price. Even though he’s a two-time Cy Young winner, once in the National League and also in the American League.
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