South Korean professional baseball player Ryu Hyun-jin appears likely to return to his former club, the Hanwha Eagles, in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). After failing to find a satisfactory team in Major League Baseball (MLB), the 37-year-old pitcher has recently expressed positive interest in making a domestic comeback with Hanwha.
A senior Hanwha official on Feb. 19 said that the team has been in constant contact with Ryu, offering him specific conditions for his return, and that positive talks have taken place. However, the official added, “Nothing is finalized yet,” and “Ryu will make his final decision soon.” Another Hanwha official said, “The likelihood of his return is indeed high.” The rumor of Ryu returning home is gaining more momentum, especially with the news that he has decided to pack up his belongings from his residence in Toronto, Canada, and send them to Korea. Many believe that the early return of Hanwha Eagles’ general manager, Son Hyuk, from the first-team spring camp in Melbourne, Australia, is a sign that a contract with Ryu is imminent.
Ryu has been searching for a new team after his contract with the MLB Toronto Blue Jays concluded last year but has yet to decide. While his skill and performance are still considered competitive for the major leagues, his age in the late 30s and history of elbow injuries have led him to receive offers from two to three teams with less favorable terms than before. Amid these circumstances, Ryu is reportedly considering a return to the South Korean baseball league.
Ryu debuted with Hanwha in 2006 and moved to the MLB through the posting system, or sealed competitive bidding, without fulfilling the eight years of free agent eligibility. If he returns to the KBO League, he can only sign with Hanwha. He joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013 and played for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2020 until last year.
