Los Angeles Dodgers: Four teams that may sign away Hyun-Jin Ryu
By Jason Reed
1. Los Angeles Angels
Out of any team that can potentially sign Hyun-Jin Ryu this winter, I think the Los Angeles Angels have the best chance and it is not even close. Ryu going to the Angels is a naturally written story and it would not be surprising whatsoever to see him wearing Halo red next season.
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First of all, like with San Diego, this allows Ryu to stay in Southern California. Southern California is the only place that Ryu has known while being an MLB pitcher and it is understandable if he favors that in his decision.
Second of all, the Angels are a team that needs starting pitching that has proven in the past that they are willing to pay to add assets. The Angels were 25th in the league in ERA last season and did not have an actual ace, which is the reason why they were so bad to begin with.
There are talks of Gerrit Cole potentially signing with the Angels as a homecoming signing, which I do not rule out, especially if Cole gets his World Series ring.
However, I do think there are other fits for Cole that will pay as much if not more for his services with more established success. The options will dwindle down and Ryu will be remaining, waiting for the Angels to sign him.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Angels have a massive Asian market in Orange County. That is something that could be pitched to Ryu in meetings and be something that ultimately sways his decision from a team like Milwaukee or San Diego.
He and Shohei Ohtani are a good start for a starting rotation and the Angels could certainly figure it out from there.