New Firepower Arrives: LG Twins Reinforce Bullpen with High-Velocity Pitcher
The LG Twins are set to introduce a significant addition to their pitching arsenal with the acquisition of new foreign pitcher Ryoos, a hard-throwing right-hander capable of reaching speeds up to 161 kilometers per hour. This move signals a strategic shift for the team, as they part ways with pitcher Cirinos.
Ryoos’s Role and Expectations
Manager Yeom Gyeong-yeop confirmed that Ryoos has been designated to pitch in the crucial middle relief role. “The bullpen role for Ryoos is already decided. He will be coming in during the middle innings, specifically when we need a critical out,” stated Manager Yeom. Ryoos is expected to arrive this weekend and begin the visa process, with a potential debut on the mound as early as next week.
The Twins signed Ryoos to a one-year contract worth $450,000, comprising a $350,000 salary and $100,000 in incentives. His arrival addresses the team’s need for a strong arm in the bullpen, especially as they navigate a long season.
A Look at Ryoos’s Profile
Standing at 1.90 meters tall, Ryoos boasts a powerful fastball that consistently clocks in at 100 miles per hour (approximately 161 km/h), complemented by a solid slider. In his career in the U.S. minor leagues, his average fastball speed was around 96 miles per hour (approximately 154.5 km/h).
Drafted in the 12th round of the 2011 MLB draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, Ryoos made his Major League debut in 2017. He has since pitched for nine different organizations, appearing in 93 Major League games over 100 innings, recording an 8-2 record with a 6.21 ERA. In the minor leagues, he compiled a 36-32 record with a 4.11 ERA across 344 appearances and 619.1 innings pitched.
Ryoos also represented Puerto Rico in both the 2023 and 2026 World Baseball Classics (WBC), showcasing his international experience.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
The LG organization views Ryoos as a valuable asset. “He’s a right-handed power pitcher with an aggressive style due to his fastballs. He will be a great help to our pitching staff,” a team official commented.
Ryoos expressed his enthusiasm about joining the championship-winning LG Twins. “It is an honor to join LG, a champion team that achieved overall victory in the KBO League last year. I will adapt quickly and contribute to LG’s championship aspirations this year,” he said.
The team’s bullpen strategy is further bolstered by the strong performance of foreign pitcher Rak-lan Wells, who has been a consistent ace for the team. Wells has pitched 45.1 innings over 8 appearances, securing a 3-2 record with a 1.79 ERA. With the anticipated return of Moon Bo-gyeong and Moon Seong-ju this weekend, the batting lineup is also expected to strengthen, providing further support.
Manager Yeom acknowledged Wells’s contributions but emphasized the need for careful management throughout the long season. “While Wells is doing well, this might be his first time pitching a full season like this. We plan to manage his innings in consultation with the training team, rather than setting a fixed number. We can’t afford to run out of gas in the postseason,” Manager Yeom explained. He also noted that initial plans to move Wells to the bullpen were altered due to injuries and absences following the WBC.
The manager reflected on the unpredictability of baseball, citing Cirinos’s departure as a prime example of how situations can change rapidly. “Things changed quite a bit because of Cirinos. That’s why you never know in baseball,” he remarked. “Therefore, it’s important to operate the team without any special crises throughout the year. If a crisis arises during the season, the priority is to improve our standing by accelerating our performance. There’s no point in finishing sixth by protecting players. We must aim for the postseason. This requires accumulating wins steadily. Our goal is to operate with the flexibility we have now, building wins game by game.”
