Cody Ponce has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, setting the stage for his return to MLB after three seasons overseas. A former second-round pick who struggled during his initial run with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the right-handed pitcher has rebuilt his career with sharper velocity, and a far more commanding overall arsenal.
According to Sportsnet, the move - still pending a physical - signals his comeback to the majors following successful stints in both Japan and Korea, where he transformed himself into one of the most effective pitchers on the international stage.
Last season marked a dramatic turning point for Ponce. After years spent moving between the Minors and brief MLB stints, the former 2015 second-round pick flourished in Korea with the Hanwha Eagles. It finally clicked for the 31-year-old as he posted a 1.89 ERA with 252 strikeouts over 180 2/3 innings - a staggering total in a league known for tough contact hitters. His performance shattered the KBO’s single-season strikeout record and included a dazzling 18-strikeout outing in May, ultimately earning him league MVP honors.
Ponce’s earlier three seasons in Japan (2022-24) didn’t propel him back to the majors, but the transformation he showed in 2025 did. His resurgence was powered by a clear boost in velocity, now sitting in the mid-90s and touching 97-98 mph - noticeably higher than during his 2020–21 run with the Pirates, reported Sportsnet. The upgraded speed, paired with a sharpened arsenal, is the foundation of his return to MLB.
Although Ponce worked solely as a starter in 2025, he brings considerable bullpen experience, giving the Blue Jays valuable flexibility if they choose to adjust his role. That adaptability could prove useful in the postseason or during the regular season as Toronto navigates the health and form of its pitching staff.
This offseason, the Blue Jays have already been active on the mound, adding three starters. Shane Bieber opted into his player contract, and Dylan Cease signed a franchise-record seven-year, $210 million deal, further strengthening a rotation that now includes Ponce as another versatile arm.
According to Sportsnet, the move - still pending a physical - signals his comeback to the majors following successful stints in both Japan and Korea, where he transformed himself into one of the most effective pitchers on the international stage.
WHO IS CODY PONCE?
Last season marked a dramatic turning point for Ponce. After years spent moving between the Minors and brief MLB stints, the former 2015 second-round pick flourished in Korea with the Hanwha Eagles. It finally clicked for the 31-year-old as he posted a 1.89 ERA with 252 strikeouts over 180 2/3 innings - a staggering total in a league known for tough contact hitters. His performance shattered the KBO’s single-season strikeout record and included a dazzling 18-strikeout outing in May, ultimately earning him league MVP honors.
Ponce’s earlier three seasons in Japan (2022-24) didn’t propel him back to the majors, but the transformation he showed in 2025 did. His resurgence was powered by a clear boost in velocity, now sitting in the mid-90s and touching 97-98 mph - noticeably higher than during his 2020–21 run with the Pirates, reported Sportsnet. The upgraded speed, paired with a sharpened arsenal, is the foundation of his return to MLB.
Although Ponce worked solely as a starter in 2025, he brings considerable bullpen experience, giving the Blue Jays valuable flexibility if they choose to adjust his role. That adaptability could prove useful in the postseason or during the regular season as Toronto navigates the health and form of its pitching staff.
This offseason, the Blue Jays have already been active on the mound, adding three starters. Shane Bieber opted into his player contract, and Dylan Cease signed a franchise-record seven-year, $210 million deal, further strengthening a rotation that now includes Ponce as another versatile arm.
