The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant move by signing right-hander Cody Ponce, as announced by the team on Thursday.
Ponce, a 31-year-old pitcher, agreed to a lucrative three-year contract worth $30 million on December 2nd. This deal marks his return to the major leagues after playing in both Japan and Korea. Notably, Ponce excelled in the KBO league with the Hanwha Eagles, showcasing an impressive 1.89 ERA and recording 252 strikeouts in 180.2 innings. His performance caught the attention of the Blue Jays, who closely followed his progress, noting his increased velocity and strong strikeout and walk rates.
The Blue Jays’ interest in Ponce was fueled by their strategic focus on the Pacific Rim market and their commitment to bolstering their pitching staff. Ponce’s versatility as both a starter and reliever adds depth to the team’s roster, complementing recent pitching acquisitions like Shane Bieber and Dylan Cease.
Furthermore, the Blue Jays are actively pursuing other key players, including outfielder Kyle Tucker and the potential return of shortstop Bo Bichette. The team’s front office is also keen on securing a high-leverage reliever, with names like Robert Suarez, Pete Fairbanks, Brad Keller, and Tyler Rogers being linked to the Blue Jays.