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MLB Players: Kwang-hyun Kim and Hyun-jin Ryu representing South Korea well

By Ryota Nishino

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - AUGUST 28: Hyun-Jin Ryu #42 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Sahlen Field on August 28, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - AUGUST 28: Hyun-Jin Ryu #42 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Sahlen Field on August 28, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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One of the great South Korean MLB Players, Hyun-jin Ryu, is proving his worth with the Toronto Blue Jays Jays.

One of the great South Korean MLB players, Hyun-jin Ryu of the Toronto Blue Jays currently holds a 3.00 ERA. Ryu signed a lucrative deal in 2019 after his All-Star season.

The Blue Jays signed Ryu to a four-year $80 million and it has been paying off.

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He is not pitching as dominant as he did in 2019 where he finished second in NL Cy Young voting, 19th in MVP voting, and made his first All-Star team.

In 2019 with the Dodgers, he dominated with a 2.32 ERA, 14-5 record, and 1.007 WHIP.

Although Ryu is not repeating his 2019 season, he is making a big impact in Toronto, or should I say Buffalo.

Ryu did struggle early in the shortened season, but he was able to settle down and holds a 4-1 record, 1.167 WHIP, and 10.0 K/9. His walks are a bit high at 2.3 BB/9 compared to his 2019 1.2 BB/9.

Ryu has proved himself an important player for the Blue Jays and shown his $80 million worth. With the Dodgers, he was overshadowed by Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.

But now as the clear ace, Ryu has supported the team to a 26-20 record. The Blue Jays are in playoff contention and a big reason is Ryu.

Another standout MLB player out of South Korea. Learn his name!

Kwang-hyun Kim is also a native of South Korea and is pitching very well. You probably have not heard of him, because this is his rookie season.

Kim is not your typical rookie. He played in the Korean Baseball League for 12 seasons and made his way to St. Lous this year.

Kim is 32-years old, and he was a force to be reckoned with in the KBL. In his second season in the KBL with the SK Wyverns, he won the MVP award, Golden Glove Award, and Korean Series Champion award.

He would win the Korean Series Champion three more times in 2007, 2010, and 2018.

The KBL veteran has surprised many including myself. He was originally slated as the Cardinals’ closer to open the season, but things changed after his first relief appearance.

Since moving into the starting rotation, Kim now holds a 0.33 ERA in five starts. With his most recent outing, Kim became second in best ERA in a pitcher’s first five career starts.

Although Kim does not strikeout as many as Ryu, his WHIP has been outstanding. Kim posts a 0.923 WHIP, and 4.6 K/9.

The KBL star will continue to be an important piece for the Cardinals who are in second place in the NL Central behind the Cubs.

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I am sure South Korean baseball fans are ecstatic to see the only two South Korean players in the MLB pitching very well for competitive teams.

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