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Phillies: Power Ranking the Top 5 Free Agent Pitchers

By David Esser

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches during the third inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches during the third inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 06: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Washington Nationals in game three of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 6, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 06: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Washington Nationals in game three of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 6, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

#4 Hyun-Jin Ryu

Ryu led the entire majors in ERA among starting pitchers, was selected to his first career All-Star game, and will no doubt be a finalist for the NL Cy Young award. As he begins to approach his mid-30s, Ryu has seemingly found a strategy that works for him. The combination of elite control and lots of movement on slower pitches is working beautifully for him. Despite his age, there are enough teams desperate for pitching that would overpay for his talents, don’t be surprised if the Dodgers shell out some serious cash to retain the left-hander.

Unlike previously mentioned Wheeler, Ryu somewhat goes against the grain with his pitching type. The South Korean born lefty relies primarily on his changeup and a below average velocity four-seamer. With his change sitting at just 80mph and a fastball that rarely tops over 91, one would think he would be far more hittable. However, due to some elite control and fantastic game-calling from his catchers, Ryu is consistently able to stay on top of batters.

Another unique aspect to Ryu’s game is his wide variety of pitch usage. As seen in other international based pitchers like Yu Darvish or Shohei Ohtani, Ryu has an arsenal of seven different pitches. The four-seamer and changeup as previously mentioned, a cutter, sinker, curveball, slider, and even a slow curve which sits at 65mph.

The only reason Ryu isn’t higher on this list? His postseason track record. In his last 4 playoff starts for LA he has an ERA of 6.88. This could scare potential suitors away.

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