The Toronto Blue Jays have signed free agent pitcher Cody Ponce to an important three-year deal. The contract, which promises $30 million, is awaiting a physical checkup.
Ponce, a right-handed pitcher standing at 6 feet 6 inches, is making his comeback to Major League Baseball (MLB) following an amazing MVP-winning season in the Korea Baseball Organisation (KBO).
Strengthening the Pitching Rotation
This agreement follows the Blue Jays’ recent acquisition of top pitcher Dylan Cease, who inked a seven-year contract worth $210 million. The Blue Jays are setting themselves up to have one of the most fearsome starting rotations in the league with a solid foundation in place, featuring proven pitchers such as Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and José Berríos.
Ponce’s amazing performance in the KBO last season, where he posted a 1.89 earned run average (ERA) and struck out 252 hitters over 180.2 innings, has made him a valued asset. The 31-year-old recorded a record of 17 wins and 1 loss, claiming the KBO MVP title along with the Choi Dong-won Award for the league’s finest starting pitcher. The Blue Jays’ dedication to strengthening their pitching depth for the forthcoming season is demonstrated by his acquisition to the roster.
In the current rotation, Ponce is predicted to take a sixth position, while Jose Berrios is slated as the fifth starter. Additionally, Eric Lauer, who produced a good 3.18 ERA over 104 and two-thirds innings last season, rounds out a formidable pitching staff.
The Blue Jays’ commitment to upgrading their squad reflects their aim to compete at a greater level in the forthcoming season. The arrival of Cody Ponce is evidence of the Blue Jays’ efforts to assemble a strong pitching staff in front of the upcoming season as they continue to make calculated offseason decisions.