The Blue Jays are making waves by signing KBO MVP Cody Ponce to a three-year deal, according to a source. This move comes as the team continues to strengthen its pitching staff. With a reported value of $30 million, the contract marks a significant step in the team's rebuilding process. The addition of Ponce, who is 31 years old and will turn 32 in April, is particularly intriguing given his recent transformation. After four seasons in Japan's NPB, where his performance didn't stand out, Ponce's career took a turn when he moved to Korea's KBO in 2025. With the Hanwha Eagles, he dominated, leading the league with a 1.89 ERA and 252 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings, setting new records. His success in Korea earned him the KBO League MVP and the Choi Dong-won Award as the league's top starting pitcher. Ponce's pitching arsenal includes a four-seamer averaging 95.5 mph, a dominant changeup, and a cutter. These additions to his repertoire have made him a formidable force on the mound. Ponce's previous MLB stint with the Pirates was less successful, with a 5.86 ERA and 13 home runs allowed in 55 1/3 innings. However, his time in Korea has given him a new lease on life, and he now has a better chance of success against Major League hitters. The Blue Jays' decision to sign Ponce is a strategic move, as it follows the trend of players like Erick Fedde and Merrill Kelly, who successfully returned to MLB after their KBO experiences. With his power pitcher's frame and improved pitching skills, Ponce is poised to make a significant impact on the Blue Jays' pitching staff.
