The Dodgers are still interested in a reunion with starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, but they are also looking at the top of the market in Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, according to Jon Heyman.
The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays are also in on Ryu, per Heyman. He has also been connected to the Texas Rangers previously.
#MNTwins are in on Hyun-Jin Ryu. Also: Jays and Dodgers (tho his old team is also looking even higher (Cole/Strasburg)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019
Ryu, who turns 33 in March, is coming off the best season of his career where he finished second in Cy Young voting to Jacob DeGrom. He threw 182 2/3 innings with a 2.32 ERA, 3.10 FIP and 4.8 wins above replacement. He owns a career 2.98 ERA, 3.32 FIP and 15.1 WAR in 740 1/3 innings.
I recently predicted Ryu will sign a four-year deal worth $80 million.
Although the Dodgers remain in contact with Ryu, it does appear he might be their third or fourth plan as they have their sights set on making a major acquisition this off-season. Based on the recent reports, the Dodgers are trying to add one of Cole, Strasburg, or Anthony Rendon to the roster.
Joel Sherman said the Dodgers are determined to do something to the top of their roster. He said Rendon could be a fall back option for Cole (that seemed more like speculation though).
— Blake (@ByBlakeWilliams) December 9, 2019
The Dodgers are uniquely positioned to make a splash this off-season with no long-term contract commitments, around $40 million to spend before hitting the luxury tax threshold and an already deep roster that doesn’t need a lot of tweaking.
However, if they aren’t able to land one of Cole or Strasburg, we could see Ryu return to the place he’s called home since 2013.
