"He's the second KBO pitcher Toronto has signed over the last year, after Eric Lauer revived his career last season following a stint in the KBO in 2024. Seo-jun Moon became the first Korean-born international signing in team history in September. The front office has tapped into this market with surprisingly effective results, with Lauer in his first year in Toronto. Now, they've sunk in a decent investment by signing Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract."
"Ponce's fit within the team's pitching staff will be an interesting storyline to follow as the season ramps up. He put up eye-popping stats in the KBO, including a 17-1 record, a 2.04 ERA, and 252 strikeouts in 180.2 innings. The 31-year-old looked like a completely different pitcher than the one who flamed out of the majors after putting up a 7.04 ERA over 38.1 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021."
"The acquisition of Ponce has some fans theorizing about a possible trade of one of the starting pitchers, possibly the recently demoted Jose Berrios, in exchange for a bat. Either way, Ponce will be featured prominently. Lauer emerged from a depth piece to become one of the most important pitchers on the Blue Jays in 2025. Signed off the scrap heap in December, the left-hander started the season at Triple-A Buffalo before being used as a bulk relie"
Toronto signed 2025 KBO MVP Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract, marking the second KBO pitcher acquisition after Eric Lauer. Ponce posted dominant KBO numbers: 17-1 record, 2.04 ERA, and 252 strikeouts across 180.2 innings. The 31-year-old previously struggled in MLB with a 7.04 ERA over 38.1 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021. The Blue Jays also added Korean-born prospect Seo-jun Moon, and front office moves suggest a growing pipeline from the KBO. Fans speculate Ponce's arrival could trigger a trade of a starter such as Jose Berrios. Ponce is expected to play a prominent role in Toronto's rotation.
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