'40.6 billion won contract → one game, then the operating table': Hanwha alumnus MVP leaves no mark beyond his presence. 'Toronto only buys if Ponce performs well'

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Although he returned to Major League Baseball (MLB) with high expectations, Cody Ponce (32, Toronto Blue Jays) played in just one game before collapsing. Nevertheless, expectations for him remain intact. Toronto harbors hope that Ponce's return will help the team shake off its struggles this season.

MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR), which covers MLB transfer news, reported on the 6th (Korean time) that "Toronto is expected to currently structure its starting rotation with Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Jose Soriano, Cody Ponce, and Spencer Arrighetti."

This confirms that expectations for Ponce remain high, despite his having played in only one game last year before undergoing surgery due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Ponce, who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round with the 55th pick in 2015, appeared in five games in 2020 and 15 games in 2021, posting a dismal record of one win and seven losses.

After going through Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Ponce signed with the KBO League's Hanwha Eagles in 2025. He recorded a 17-1 record with an ERA of 1.89, racking up 252 strikeouts to set a new KBO single-season strikeout record. Achieving the pitching triple crown (most wins, most strikeouts, lowest ERA), Ponce led his team to the Korea Series for the first time in 19 years and ultimately won the season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Interest from MLB teams exploded, and after the season ended, he signed a major three-year contract worth $30 million (approximately 40.6 billion won) with Toronto.

In spring training, he appeared five times, posting a 2-0 record with an ERA of 0.66. Over 13⅔ innings, he recorded 12 strikeouts, held opponents to a batting average against of 0.152, and posted a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) of just 0.80.

In his first game, Ponce severely twisted his right knee during the third-inning defense, which ultimately led to a tragic injury.

Although he lost an entire season, it was not due to poor performance. Given the strong impact he made in spring training, expectations for him continue.

Sports Illustrated (SI) reported on the 5th that Toronto has struggled this season due to numerous injuries, stating that "Ponce is one of the players returning from a major injury" and that "his performance could be a great asset to the team."

The outlet added, "Toronto hopes Ponce returns healthy next season. Depending on the free agent (FA) market situation, the Blue Jays' starting rotation could become thinner." It continued, "With Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber becoming full free agents, the team's current starting pitching staff consists of Dylan Cease, Jose Soriano, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Ponce."

It further noted, "General Manager Ross Atkins will try to add depth to the pitching staff through the FA market, but Ponce's health remains a significant variable. Toronto is investing $20 million in Ponce over the next two seasons, expecting him to perform at a high level." The outlet expressed hope, saying, "If Ponce fulfills his role next season, the Blue Jays will be in a much more advantageous position next year."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original