After playing 10 Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons, Beijing 2008 gold medallist Hyun-jin Ryu has returned to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) league, where his professional career began in 2006.
Ryu, 36, signed an eight-year contract with the Hanwha Eagles worth 17 billion won (US$12.8 million).
Ryu made an impressive KBO debut in 2006, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average, earning a Gold Glove and the first of seven trips to the All-Star game. He was named the league's Rookie of the Year and MVP.
The left-hander starred at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, starting the final against Cuba and leading Korea to a gold medal.
He left the KBO after the 2012 season with a record of 98 wins and 1,238 strikeouts, signing a six-year deal worth US$36 million. The Eagles received a $25.7 million compensation fee.
Ryu played through the 2019 season for the Dodgers and from 2020 to 2023 for the Toronto Blue Jays. He started 185 games, pitching 1,055.1 innings and recording 78 wins. He struck out 934 and has a 3.27 career earned run average (ERA).
Ryu's best MLB season was 2019, when he posted the best ERA and appeared in the All-Star game.
According to scouting reports, Ryu transitioned from power to finesse pitcher. His changeup is considered the best pitch.
The Eagles finished the 2023 regular season in ninth place with a 58-80 record and six draws. Since Ryu left, they reached the postseason only once.
