While Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg unquestionably were the best available starting pitchers in free agency, the second tier was thought by some to be led by Hyun-Jin Ryu. Although 32 years old, he was coming off a Cy Young Award-worthy season and back-to-back impressive campaigns.
Yet, the southpaw has been left on the outside looking in amid this winter’s spending spree. Zack Wheeler signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for five years and $118 million — besting his projections — and Madison Bumgarner joined the Arizona Diamondbacks on a five-year, $85 million pact.
Although he’s yet to sign, Ryu has been the subject of reported interest from multiple clubs. Namely the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays.
While the L.A. Angels haven’t been publicly connected to Ryu at the same as other teams, they have maintained contact with agent Scott Boras, according to Maria Torres of the L.A. Times:
The Angels have engaged in multiple conversations with agent Scott Boras about clients Hyun-Jin Ryu and Dallas Keuchel, said people familiar with negotiations for arguably the top remaining free-agent starters. But there is no indication that a deal is imminent.
The Angels went into the offseason figuring to address a starting rotation that sported a 5.64 ERA this past season — the second-worst mark in baseball. That presumably played a role in their inspired effort to sign Cole.
In the wake of watching the right-hander sign a record contract with the New York Yankees, the Angels quickly pivoted to secure Rendon. His addition certainly bolsters their lineup but further increases the need for starting pitching if the Angels hope to compete in 2020.
With the left side of the infield now set to feature Rendon and Andrelton Simmons, Ryu and Dallas Keuchel profile as the type of groundball pitchers that would best suit the Angels.
Although some believe Ryu’s preference is to re-sign with the Dodgers, it’s thought the lack of an agreement could wind up pushing him to the Angels.
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