Los Angeles Dodgers: Four teams that may sign away Hyun-Jin Ryu
By Jason Reed
2. San Diego Padres
Yes, the San Diego Padres should absolutely be a threat to sign Ryu this winter. Just like the Brewers, they signed a former Dodger last winter in Manny Machado and would not hesitate in getting the chance to sign Ryu as well.
The Padres are one of the most promising teams in the league as they have a young core and a good farm system that should give the Dodgers a run for their money in the NL West in the years to come.
San Diego was not quite there yet in 2019 but with a full season of Fernando Tatis Jr. and the rest of the young guys getting one year better, they absolutely could be in the playoff hunt in 2020.
The Padres have some good arms in the starting rotation, most notably Chris Paddack. Paddack really emerged as the Padres best pitcher this year and is the ace moving forward.
They also have a veteran arm in Garrett Richards, who did not pitch this season but will provide that veteran outlook in years to come.
Ryu can provide more of the same while also being the team’s ace over Paddack. He is the perfect established arm that a team like the Padres looks to bring in and for Ryu, this makes sense as he can stay in Southern California.