Ryu Hyun-jin eyes MLB, NPB

By Yoon Chul

Staff reporter

Hanwha Eagles pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin Thursday revealed his dream of one day making the big leagues.

Ryu, regarded as the best lefty in Korea, said he hopes to play in the Major Leagues, but only after dominating the Nippon Professional League (NPB) of Japan.

“If my team permits it, I hope to pitch in overseas leagues,” Ryu told reporters. “I want to go to both leagues — the MLB and NPB. After I succeed in the NPB I will head to the United States. Even if I get offers from both leagues, I will head to Japan first.”

Due to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO)’s rule that requires players to stay in the league for seven years before moving on, Ryu still has to pitch for two more years in Korea.

The Olympic gold medalist revealed his reason for wanting to head to Japan first.

“The Japanese style of play is similar to that of the Korean league. I want to see whether I can dominate in Japan or not,” the 23-year-old said.

“If I have the chance, it would be great to pitch for a traditional powerhouse such as the Yomiuri Giants or New York Yankees,” added Ryu.

However, he said he prefers the Central League over the Pacific League, as he doesn’t want to be far away from former teammate Kim Tae-kyun of the Chiba Lotte Marines or have to pitch against him.

In his rookie year, the Eagles ace wowed the league by snatching up the rookie of year award, Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors and the coveted triple crown of pitching — the most wins, lowest ERA (2.23), and most strikeouts (204).

Since then, he has consistently collected double digit win totals.

Ryu is also one of best inning eaters in the KBO. He pitched over 200 innings in his first two years and 149 1/3 innings in 19 games so far this year, collecting 13-4 with 1.57 ERA and 147 strike outs.

The lefty has had quality starts in all 19 of his appearances this season, going 13-4 with a 1.57 ERA and 147 strikeouts, including three shutouts and two complete games.

According to an MLB scouting report, Ryu’s arm is strong enough to take the third or fourth spot in a big league rotation and earn about 10 to 15 wins a year.

The scouts added that the lefty’s changeup is his money pitch and lauded his nasty curveball. They said his fastball, considered here as his best pitch, and slider show room for improvement.

Former MLB manager Jeron Royster, now with the Lotte Giants, said Ryu is poised to achieve success as he had various weapons at his disposal.