Blue Jays sign KBO MVP Cody Ponce to three year, 30 million dollar deal
The Toronto Blue Jays are making significant offseason moves, including a three-year, $30 million deal with KBO MVP Cody Ponce, pending a physical. Ponce, 31, had an exceptional 2025 season in Korea, showcasing versatility and strong pitching. His addition strengthens the roster and provides long-term stability as key pitchers face free agency.
The Toronto Blue Jays continue to shape an aggressive and ambitious offseason. After adding Dylan Cease and retaining Shane Bieber, the club has turned to one of the most dominant pitchers outside Major League Baseball. According to industry sources, Toronto reached a three year, 30 million dollar agreement with Cody Ponce, bringing the KBO MVP back to North America.
The deal is pending a physical, but the level of interest around the league and the timing of the move suggest the signing is all but formal. Ponce, now 31, arrives after a historic season in Korea that positioned him as one of the most intriguing arms on the international market.
A return to MLB powered by a breakout year overseas
Ponce was nearly unhittable in 2025 with the Hanwha Eagles. He finished with a 17–1 record, a 1.89 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP and 252 strikeouts in 180.2 innings, the highest total in a single KBO season. He struck out more than a third of the batters he faced and issued very few walks, numbers that immediately caught the attention of MLB scouts.
Toronto had monitored him closely. The organization has increased its investment in the Pacific Rim in recent years, allowing its talent evaluators to track Ponce’s growth, velocity jump and improved pitch mix. His fastball reached the mid to high 90s in October and his splitter became a true out pitch, giving him the profile of a pitcher ready for another MLB opportunity.
A fit that strengthens depth and offers flexibility
Although Ponce was exclusively a starter in 2025, he has experience in relief during his previous stint in the Majors. That versatility gives the Blue Jays options as they navigate a long season that will demand constant depth.
He joins a rotation picture that includes Kevin Gausman, Cease, Bieber, rookie standout Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis. Ponce can compete for a rotation spot, work as a bulk reliever or transition into a hybrid role if needed. With Francis carrying minor league options and Lauer capable of shifting to the bullpen, John Schneider will have room to adjust based on performance or injuries.
A move that also points to the long term
The signing also carries strategic value beyond 2026. Both Gausman and Bieber are set to reach free agency after that season, so adding Ponce provides a layer of stability and a potential rotation anchor as the roster evolves.
Toronto has been one of the most active teams so far this winter, and Ponce’s arrival reinforces that approach. While the club is still exploring late inning bullpen help and monitoring the markets of players such as Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, the balance of the roster is already stronger than it was at the end of the World Series.
Ponce returns to MLB with momentum, confidence and the best season of his professional career behind him. The Blue Jays believe that version of Ponce can translate to the big leagues and help drive another push toward a championship.
