The Toronto Blue Jays are making some serious moves! They're clearly aiming to bolster their pitching staff, and their latest acquisition is a fascinating one. They've reached a three-year agreement with right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce, who's been making waves overseas.
This deal, reportedly worth $30 million, comes hot on the heels of the Blue Jays' signing of Dylan Cease to a substantial $210 million contract. Talk about a commitment to winning!
But here's where it gets interesting: Ponce isn't just any pitcher. After spending four seasons in Japan, Ponce made a significant impact in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2025.
In the KBO, pitching for the Hanwha Eagles, Ponce was a dominant force, going 17-1 in 29 starts. He led the league with a stunning 1.89 ERA and racked up a record-breaking 252 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings. He even set a single-game record with 18 strikeouts! Unsurprisingly, he was named the KBO League MVP and won the Choi Dong-won Award.
So, what's changed? According to pitching analyst Lance Brozdowski, Ponce's fastball now averages 95.5 mph, reaching the upper 90s. He's also developed a devastating changeup (a “kick change”) that's become a key weapon, with hitters whiffing on 46% of swings. He also throws a cutter and a sinker.
And this is the part most people miss: This improved arsenal is a stark contrast to his previous MLB stint in 2020-21. Back then, his fastball averaged 93.2 mph, and his changeup was rarely used. This made him vulnerable, especially to left-handed batters, who slugged a whopping .703 against him.
Ponce's physical attributes also stand out; he's a towering 6-foot-6, 255-pound presence on the mound. Drafted in the second round by the Brewers in 2015, he made it to Double-A before being traded to the Pirates. He made his MLB debut in the shortened 2020 season, but struggled, going 1-7 with a 5.86 ERA in 20 games.
Now, Ponce is aiming for a successful return to the MLB, following in the footsteps of pitchers like Erick Fedde and Merrill Kelly, who found success in the KBO before returning to the majors.
What do you think? Will Ponce's KBO success translate to the MLB? Do you think the Blue Jays are making the right moves to contend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
