The Blue Jays are making waves by adding KBO MVP Cody Ponce to their pitching staff on a three-year deal, according to a source. This move comes as the team continues to strengthen their roster, following a recent seven-year, $210 million contract with Dylan Cease. With a potential value of $30 million, the deal is a significant investment in Ponce's potential. The 31-year-old (turning 32 in April) returns to the MLB after a transformative four-year stint in Japan's NPB, where he played for the Nippon Ham Fighters and Rakuten Golden Eagles. However, it was his move to Korea's KBO in 2025 that truly changed his career trajectory. Pitching for the Hanwha Eagles, Ponce dominated with a 1.89 ERA and 252 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings, setting a new KBO single-season record. His performance earned him the KBO League MVP and the Choi Dong-won Award as the league's top starting pitcher. Ponce's success in Korea was attributed to his four-seamer, which averaged 95.5 mph and reached the upper 90s, and a dominant changeup that induced whiffs on 46% of opponent swings. His cutter and sinker also contributed to his success. This newfound success in Korea stands in contrast to his previous MLB stint, where his four-seamer averaged 93.2 mph and his changeup was underutilized. Left-handed batters teed off on him, slugging .703 with nine homers in 101 at-bats. Ponce's physical frame, standing at 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, is typical of a power pitcher. He began his career at Cal Poly Pomona before being drafted by the Brewers in 2015. After a trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019, he made his MLB debut in the shortened 2020 season, appearing in 20 games with five starts. However, his performance was underwhelming, with a 1-7 record and a 5.86 ERA. The Pirates released him after the 2021 season, leading to his move to Japan. Now, Ponce joins a growing list of pitchers who have successfully returned to the MLB after a stint in the KBO, including Erick Fedde and Merrill Kelly, who have also seen success after their Korean adventures.
