Ryu Hyun-jin (36), who acquired free agent status after four years with the Toronto Blue Jays, did not say anything about his future.
On the 13th, Ryu Hyun-jin visited Seoul's Jamsil Stadium with Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres) and Lee Jeong-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes) to watch the 5th game of the Korean Series (best of 7 games) between LG Twins and KT Wiz. He also visited and chatted with former managers Kim Eung-yong, Kim Seong-geun, and Kim In-sik, who threw the joint first pitch that day.
When meeting with reporters, he smiled and said, "I came to watch a KBO league game for the first time in almost 10 years, and it looks like fun," and then said, "I'm currently in good physical condition. I'm working out and doing well."
Ryu Hyun-jin, who entered the major league in 2013, had a successful career with a total of 78 wins, 48 ERA, 3.27, and 934 strikeouts in 186 games. After undergoing elbow ligament joint surgery (Tommy John surgery) last year, he returned to the big leagues this August and made a comeback with 3 wins, 3 losses, and an average ERA of 3.46 in 11 games.
Although he cannot throw a fast ball like before, 오피스타 he has shown competitiveness by adding skill and sophisticated control. Local media such as ESPN also predicted a high possibility of Ryu Hyun-jin's contract being renewed, saying that he is a necessary pitcher for a team that is trying to strengthen its starting lineup.
Scott Boras, Ryu Hyun-jin's agent, also hinted at Ryu Hyun-jin's stay in the major league on the 9th (Korean time), saying, "Ryu Hyun-jin will pitch in the United States instead of Korea next year. There is a lot of interest from big league teams in Ryu Hyun-jin."
Regarding this, Ryu Hyun-jin said, "I think I need to talk to my agent first. I think something will come out (related to the contract) in mid-December, after the Major League Winter Meetings are over." He added, "Currently, I'm waiting."
When asked about the player's intention, not the agent's, he avoided answering by saying, "I don't know yet." Upon returning to Korea last month, Ryu Hyun-jin reaffirmed his intention to return to the KBO league in the future, saying, "I have no change in my desire to spend the last part of my career as a player with (former team) Hanwha Eagles."
Ryu Hyun-jin highly praised junior Kim Ha-seong, who became the first Asian infielder to win a Gold Glove. He said, "I'm proud. I think it's really great to be the first read more Asian infielder to win the Gold Glove." He added, "(Kim) Ha-seong will be satisfied because he performed well (worthy of the award). He's still young and has a lot of playing days ahead of him, so if he takes good care of his health, he'll continue to do well." “I will perform well,” he said.
He also said that Lee Jeong-hoo, who is pursuing advancement into the major leagues through the posting system, has the skills to succeed. Ryu Hyun-jin said, "(Lee) Jung-hoo is the best hitter in the KBO league. He has outstanding skills that everyone knows, so he will do well in the major league."