Los Angeles Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu decided to bet on himself and accept the qualifying offer last year. It was a brilliant decision.
Choosing to bet on yourself is not an easy decision. Putting your future completely into your control is very demanding and requires a magnitude of courage and skill. Major League Baseball’s “Qualifying Offer” is a platform where players can bet on themselves by either accepting a one-year contract at a set value, or exploring free agency with no promises of a better deal.
This past offseason, Los Angeles Dodgers Hyun-Jin Ryu did something very rare. He became the sixth player ever to accept the qualifying offer since the system was installed in 2012.
Many were surprised and thought that Ryu was making a mistake by not trying to secure a lengthier contract, with more value. He decided to bet on himself in hopes of having a big season in 2019.
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By accepting the qualifying offer, Ryu agreed to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $17.9 million. He has this season to improve his worth.
As of right now, Ryu’s risky decision is starting to look in his favor. He has been dominant so far, possibly pitching better than he ever has before. Currently on a 31 scoreless inning, he is arguably the best pitcher in the National League so far this season. The 32-year-old lefty is 6-1 through nine starts, tied for the NL lead in wins. He is leading the NL in WHIP with 0.742 and ERA with a 1.52.
With Ryu pitching at such a high level, the Dodgers have an elite rotation. Ryu, three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, 24-year old Walker Buehler, and Japan-native Kenta Maeda create a dangerous foursome that no team would want to face in the postseason.
Ryu hopes to make it to his first All-Star game in 2019. If he continues to limit his walks, he will continue his success. His success on the mound has come from his ability to throw less balls. Th
If Ryu continues his success, he will be looking for a big pay day. He will be one of the top starting pitchers in the free agency market, including Madison Bumgarner, Gerrit Cole, Zack Wheeler, and Cole Hamels.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ lefty is on-pace for a career year. He hopes to continue his success and receive multiple lucrative offers after this season.