A year ago, Cody Ponce faced a pivotal decision in his baseball career with his wife, Emma, by his side. After playing in Japan’s NPB, the 31-year-old pitcher contemplated his next move, considering options in Korea or independent ball in North America, with a return to MLB seeming unlikely.
However, Ponce’s determination never wavered. Fast forward to today, and a remarkable journey has unfolded. Following a standout season in the KBO with the Hanwha Eagles, where he clinched the MVP title, Ponce secured a significant milestone by signing a lucrative three-year, $30-million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
During a recent virtual conference, Ponce shared insights into his transformative year. He credited his brother-in-law, NFL star George Kittle, for reigniting his passion for the game and highlighted the unwavering support of his wife, Emma, as a driving force behind his success on the field.
The couple’s strong bond and recent addition of their daughter played a pivotal role in Ponce’s decision to join the Blue Jays, noting the organization’s family-friendly environment and competitive spirit that resonated with him. Inspired by the team’s playoff run, Ponce is eager to contribute to the Blue Jays’ winning culture and camaraderie.
Reflecting on his evolution as a pitcher, Ponce acknowledged the invaluable mentorship of his teammates in Korea, particularly Hyun Jin Ryu, and his commitment to diversifying his pitching arsenal. With improved conditioning and increased velocity on his fastball, Ponce is poised to make a significant impact in the majors.
As he embarks on this new chapter with the Blue Jays, Ponce remains focused on the ultimate goal of winning games and pursuing a World Series title, embracing any role that helps elevate his team to success.