On the same day the Toronto Blue Jays secured Dylan Schiess with a seven-year, $210 million deal, they also added another starting pitcher to their roster. Right-hander Cody Ponce, making his MLB return after three years in Asia, signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Toronto on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Although Ponce wasn’t listed among Yahoo Sports’ top 50 free agents, he was considered a compelling player to bring back.
Previously part of the Pirates organization, Ponce was released following the 2022 season. His MLB career to that point included a 5.86 ERA. Seeking to revive his career, he went overseas, first playing in Japan for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Rakuten Golden Eagles.
Ponce struggled initially in Japan, posting a 4.54 ERA over three seasons, below the league average, which was notable given the pitching-heavy environment. However, he found remarkable success with South Korea’s Hanwha Eagles.
There, Ponce captured the Triple Crown with 17 wins, 1 loss, a 1.89 ERA, and 252 strikeouts over 180 2/3 innings, earning KBO MVP honors. He led Hanwha to the Korea Series, which they lost 4-1. During that standout season, Ponce increased his fastball velocity by two ticks and added an effective splitter, boosting his MLB appeal.
Returning now to MLB, Ponce has signed a significant contract with the reigning American League champions, the Blue Jays. Yet, this signing raises questions about Toronto’s pitching staff.
Currently, the Blue Jays have Cease and Ponce contributing a combined $40 million annually (adjusted for inflation through deferred payments). This represents a major investment, especially as the team entered the offseason seemingly in need of just one additional starter.
Alongside Ponce and Cease, Toronto boasts veterans Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios, plus dynamic rookie Trey Yesavage, a standout performer in the playoffs. This six-man group will collectively earn around $100 million by 2026.
Unless Toronto opts for a six-man rotation or is concerned about potential injuries among its pitchers, a trade could be in the cards. The most likely to be moved is Berrios, who has three years left on his contract totaling $68.1 million.
Berrios pitched 166 innings last season with a 4.17 ERA but was sidelined due to elbow issues in September and missed the postseason. While this raises concerns about the 31-year-old, Ponce’s signing provides some insurance for the Blue Jays as they approach 2026.
Fan Take: This strategic bolstering of the Blue Jays’ pitching lineup signals a bold push for dominance in the American League. For baseball fans, it highlights how international leagues can serve as valuable talent pools, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of MLB.
