New York has made one major addition to the rotation already in two-time All-Star Marcus Stroman. The Yankees seemingly are in a much better spot and should be able to be one of the top clubs in the American League in 2024. While this is the case, landing another starter to help add even more depth would make sense. One player who could end up being an option is former Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
“Ryu returned from Tommy John surgery last August and impressed the rest of the way, making a total of 11 starts and allowing three runs or fewer in nine of them,” Bowden said. “He pitched five innings in six of those starts and a season-high six innings in one start. His fastball was mostly 87 to 89 (miles per hour). Opponents his .276 against his changeup and .238 against his cutter. “Ryu appears to be healthy but will have to accept a one-year deal because of the injury risk. He would be wise to sign with a non-contending team that could trade him at the deadline if he pitches in the first half like he did at the end of 2023. A team like the (Pittsburgh Pirates), (Washington Nationals), or (Oakland Athletics) might make sense. Or maybe a contending team that has multiple starters who are high injury risks, have age concerns, or are trending downward could tap him for rotation depth; the (New York Yankees), (Milwaukee Brewers), or (St. Louis Cardinals) might fit in that vein.” The veteran starter has a career 3.27 ERA in 186 total appearances with the Dodgers and Blue Jays. New York could sign him without spending too much. Ryu is projected to receive a contract with an annual value just above $8 million according to Spotrac. New York’s offense is in a much better spot but the club could still use another pitcher.
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