In an effort to enhance their starting rotation, which has experienced significant turnover recently, the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly secured a three-year, $30 million deal with right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce. The agreement is pending a physical examination.
Ponce, a former second-round draft pick, makes his return to Major League Baseball (MLB) after notable stints playing baseball in Japan and South Korea. Most recently, he showcased his talents with the Hanwha Eagles in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he achieved an impressive 1.89 ERA along with 252 strikeouts across 180.2 innings. This outstanding performance caught the attention of multiple MLB teams and ultimately led to his signing with the Blue Jays.
Last season, Ponce was recognized as the KBO's Most Valuable Player (MVP), a testament to his dominant performance on the mound. The Blue Jays have been closely monitoring Ponce's development over the past years, particularly noting his enhanced velocity, which ranged from 94 to 97 miles per hour in October, according to FanGraphs. His striking abilities are reflected in his 36.2 percent strikeout rate coupled with a low 5.9 percent walk rate, demonstrating his capability to overpower hitters during his time in Korea.
Furthermore, Ponce's versatility adds value to the Blue Jays’ roster. He has primarily been a starter throughout 2025 but also carries considerable experience as a relief pitcher. This dual capability could prove beneficial as the team navigates the demands of a lengthy season, particularly during the postseason when strategic rotations and matchups become crucial.
This offseason, the Blue Jays have made significant moves to bolster their pitching staff. They have already added three starting pitchers to their lineup, highlighted by Shane Bieber exercising his player option and Dylan Cease signing a record-breaking seven-year, $210 million contract with the team. As it stands, the Blue Jays' starting pitching options now include:
- Kevin Gausman
- Dylan Cease
- Shane Bieber
- Trey Yesavage
- Jose Berrios
- Cody Ponce
- Eric Lauer
- Bowden Francis
During the season, injuries are inevitable, necessitating the need for flexibility within the starting rotation. Should more than five starters remain healthy at any given time, Bowden Francis possesses options, while both Eric Lauer and Cody Ponce have experience that allows them to shift into bullpen roles. This adaptability provides manager John Schneider with an opportunity to innovate his lineup and optimize performance based on matchup conditions.
While the likelihood of a reunion with former pitchers Chris Bassitt or Max Scherzer now seems less probable, other players such as Michael King also captured the Blue Jays' interest; however, the fit for King within the current roster is less clear-cut. This strategic approach emphasizes the organization’s intent to prioritize a robust rotation, as evidenced by Ponce’s recent acquisition.
Despite the team's recent success in enhancing their pitching staff, the Blue Jays are still expected to address other areas of need. There is an ongoing pursuit for a late-inning relief arm, as well as potential interest in position players like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette. It remains uncertain if the team will secure a player of that caliber, as the market dynamics for such positions seem to be evolving at a slower pace.
Overall, the addition of Cody Ponce strengthens the Blue Jays’ pitching lineup, positioning them favorably for the upcoming season.
