Free agent Ryu Hyun-jin, the “Korean Monster,” is the lowest-ranked free agent in Major League Baseball (MLB) according to ESPN’s free agent rankings.
ESPN reporter Jeff Passan graded the major free-agent starting pitchers in a preview of the offseason on Friday.
ESPN lists Hyun-jin Ryu as a Tier 6 player and briefly explains that he “has been sick.” His age and injury history suggest that he won’t be treated well.
On the other hand, the outlet had high praise for outfielder Lee Jung-hoo, who is trying to make it to MLB through the posting system.굿모닝토토
“He’s the most talented Korean outfielder since Shin-Soo Choo,” ESPN wrote, “and he’s only 25 years old and has increased his OPS by more than 3 percent every year he’s played in the KBO,” it said.
“He rarely strikes out and is a player who can play good outfield defense despite his ankle injury.”
Meanwhile, the outlet also categorized foreign pitcher Eric Peddie, who has been outstanding for the NC Dinos in the KBO this season, as a Grade 6 free agent starter like Ryu.
“Pedi has dominated the Korean scene with his new slider,” ESPN said, “but he’s not going to get rich quick.”
Other Tier 6 pitchers include Lance Lynn and Luis Severino.
Superstar Shohei Ohtani and right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who dominated Japanese professional baseball, were introduced as “out-of-grade” pitchers.
Blake Snell, Aaron Nola, and Jordan Montgomery made the first team, while Eduardo Rodriguez, Shota Imanaga, and Sonny Gray made the second team.
Clayton Kershaw, who is coming off shoulder surgery, is in the fourth tier.