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Toronto Blue Jays: Three most important additions to roster

By David Hill

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Hyun-Jin Ryu

As the Toronto Blue Jays were looking to work their way back to contention, they needed to find a possible top of the rotation starter. They found that pitcher with Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Ryu times his foray into free agency perfectly. He posted a 14-5 record, with a league leading 2.34 ERA and a 1.007 WHiP. In his 182.2 innings, Ryu struck out 163 batters with 24 walks. That production was certainly well worth the four year, $80 million contract he secured from the Blue Jays.

However, there are plenty of question marks surrounding Ryu. Last year was the first time that he made at least 25 starts since 2014. He has surpassed the 160 inning mark just twice in the majors, as he has dealt with a myriad of injuries. Given his history, that contract could easily be an albatross for the Blue Jays.

Yet, it was a move they needed to make. When healthy, Ryu has established himself as one of the better pitchers in the game. If the Blue Jays are going to sell hope for the future, and the idea that they will spend to supplement their youthful core, they need to bring in pieces that can help. Ryu is exactly that.

Hyun-Jin Ryu is set to take over as the Toronto Blue Jays ace. His health will go a long way towards their hopes in 2020 and beyond.

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