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2mo ago

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

Ponce credits a Korea-fueled mindset reset for reviving his career, drawing Toronto's offer.

Cody Ponce, seen here with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, has signed a three-year, US$30-million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and will return to MLB in 2026.
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Overview

  • Ponce returns to MLB after a dominant 2025 with Hanwha, posting a 17-1 record, 1.89 ERA and a KBO single-season record 252 strikeouts.
  • The 31-year-old right-hander is expected to join a deep Toronto rotation that features Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber.
  • He says reconnecting with his ‘inner child,’ reinforced by support from his wife Emma and brother-in-law George Kittle, helped restore confidence and joy on the mound.
  • Ponce cites guidance from former Blue Jays left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu and Hanwha’s analytics staff for broadening his mix to multiple versions of cutters, curveballs and changeups.
  • The 6-foot-6, mid-90s fastballer rebuilt his market after limited MLB results with Pittsburgh and mixed stints in Japan, and the contract provides stability as he and his wife welcome their first child.