Dodgers continue to be one of baseballs more active teams this off-season
The Los Angeles Dodgers posted a winning bid of $25.7 million for the rights to negotiate with South Korean left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin. The $25.7 million fee will be paid to the Hanwha Eagles only if Ryu signs with the Dodgers. They now have 30 days to work out a contract with Hyun-Jin’s agent, Scott Boras.
The Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs were said to have interest on Ryu and submitted bids but came up short.
Ryu, 25 helped his country to win the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics and pitched on a 2009 World Baseball Classic that finished second. Pitching is a priority for GM Ned Colletti this off-season. Adding a frontline starter is a priority for the team and have reportedly spoken with representatives of Zack Greinke and Anibal Sanchez. The Dodgers re-signed 30-year-old Brandon League to a three-year deal valued at $22.5 million last month.
Hiroki Kuroda is also of interest to the Dodgers. Kuroda pitched with the Yankees in 2012 and New York is said to have interest in bringing Kuroda back in 2013. Kuroda declined a qualifying offer from the Yankees and is will listen to offers from other teams. The Dodgers are the one team in baseball that could match the resources of the Yankees should they decide to seriously pursue Kuroda.
The Dodgers were also targeting Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields this off-season, although that interest may have fallen off.
MLB confirms that #Dodgers have won rights to Korean LHP Ryu. Now have 30 days to sign him.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 10, 2012
