The Los Angeles Dodgers figure to be heavily represented in the upcoming free agent class, with shortstop Manny Machado expected to sign perhaps the most lucrative contract in professional sports history. Depending on the fate of his opt-out clause, Clayton Kershaw may join him on the open market as well.
Another key player that is scheduled to reach free agency at the conclusion of the season is left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, who has bounced back from previous struggles and injuries to put forth an excellent 2018 campaign.
In 14 starts this season, Ryu is 6-3 with career-bests in ERA (2.00), WHIP (1.01) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.1). At 31-years-old, the southpaw could soon be in line for a hefty payday himself.
Though, Ryu hasn’t given any thought about his looming free agency thus far and is solely focused on helping the Dodgers reach their ultimate goal in winning a World Series Championship in 2018, via J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
“I’m a Dodger right now and I’m in L.A.,” he said. “I’ve never really had a chance to think about it. All I’m focused on is winning for the city and playing for this city.”
With Kershaw and Ryu possibly becoming free agents this winter, it’s fair to assume that the Dodgers will have to address their starting rotation one way or another. Whether the club pays up to retain both arms, however, remains to be seen.
Ryu is certainly doing his part in helping the Dodgers push for another playoff appearance. Over four starts in September, the left-hander has posted a minuscule 1.50 ERA across 24 innings of work. He hopes his recent string of success earns him a spot in any potential postseason starting rotation.
In five overall seasons with the Dodgers, Ryu is 39-28 with a 3.21 ERA, 3.37 FIP, 1.22 WHIP and 499-138 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 551.2 innings pitched (96 games, 95 starts).
