Padres GM A.J. Preller Praises Unsigned Free Agent Starting Pitcher

The San Diego Padres have been eyeing potential upgrades to their starting rotation. One notable name still available on the market is former All-Star pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu. 

In a recent interview, Padres general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller spoke highly of Ryu's skills and his impressive return from Tommy John surgery.

He said, "I won't mention any specific player in detail," but added, "I always respect him as a pitcher. "He came back from injury and showed a healthy appearance," he praised Ryu Hyun-jin.

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Ryu, who remains unsigned, could potentially address the Padres' need for a left-handed starting pitcher. Despite his injury history, Preller is intrigued by Ryu's comeback journey. He could be a potential fit with the Padres. 

In the 2023 season, Ryu showcased glimpses of his talent, posting a 3-3 record, 38 strikeouts, a 123 ERA+, and a 1.28 WHIP in just 52 innings pitched.

The limited number of innings pitched resulted from Ryu's recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2022. However, his performance upon returning to the mound suggests that he still has plenty to offer to a new team. 

With the Padres needing pitching depth, Ryu could be a valuable addition to their rotation.

While there's no guarantee that a deal will materialize between Ryu and the Padres, the possibility remains intriguing as the regular season approaches. Preller and his team will likely weigh their options carefully before making any final decisions. 

As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Padres ultimately choose to pursue Ryu or explore other avenues to bolster their pitching staff.