Blue Jays Officially Sign KBO MVP Cody Ponce to Three-Year, $30 Million Deal

Overview

• The team announced the signing on Thursday after reaching an agreement with the 31-year-old right-hander on Dec. 2.
• Ponce won KBO MVP honors in 2025 with Hanwha, going 17–1 with a 1.89 ERA and 252 strikeouts over 29 starts.
• He returns to MLB after three seasons in Japan with Nippon Ham and Rakuten and previously debuted with the Pirates in 2020.
• Toronto views Ponce as rotation depth behind Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease, with Shane Bieber also back after exercising his option.
• The Blue Jays tracked improved velocity at 94–97 mph and elite strikeout and walk rates in Korea, and they continue to target high-leverage relief and remain in the mix for Kyle Tucker.