With Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg agreeing to respective new contracts during the Winter Meetings, the next tier of starting pitchers available in free agency includes Madison Bumgarner and Hyun-Jin Ryu, among others.
Strasburg re-signing with the Washington Nationals for seven years and $245 million, and Cole receiving a record nine-year, $324 million deal from the New York Yankees has seemingly raised the bar for Bumgarner and Ryu.
They have received reported interest from multiple clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers being connected to both southpaws.
For Ryu, his market includes significant interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, plus the Minnesota Twins, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Blue Jays seem very serious about Hyun-Jin Ryu. Apparently still looking to upgrade rotation after Roark signing. Others known in: dodgers, twins
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2019
As noted, the Blue Jays are just a few days removed from signing Tanner Roark to a two-year, $24 million contract. Their interest in Ryu has been substantial, with one report suggesting they view him as their best option to sign a top starter.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has publicly acknowledged the team is open to a reunion with Ryu. However, how serious the Dodgers may be about that possibility is unclear.
In the immediate aftermath of missing out on Cole, the Dodgers’ focus didn’t shift to Ryu but Bumgarner. It’s said their longtime nemesis is giving serious consideration to joining the other side of the Dodgers-San Francisco Giants rivalry.
While may have speculated Bumgarner could very well receive a five-year contract and a minimum of $100 million, there has not been any indication for Ryu. He is coming off a dominant 2019 season but will turn 33 years old in March and has battled injuries in each of the past two years.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our live shows, and more!
