Blue Jays could be building a KBO pipeline of success after latest signing

The Toronto Blue Jays made a second impact deal of the early offseason Tuesday night by signing free-agent pitcher and 2025 Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) MVP Cody Ponce. He’s the second KBO pitcher Toronto has signed over the last year, after Eric Lauer revived his career last season following a stint in the KBO in 2024.

Seo-jun Moon became the first Korean-born international signing in team history in September. The front office has tapped into this market with surprisingly effective results, with Lauer in his first year in Toronto. Now, they've sunk in a decent investment by signing Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract. Moon is an intriguing prospect, and the Blue Jays could be turning into a favourable landing spot for KBO stars who are hoping to make the jump to Major League Baseball.

Blue Jays could be building a KBO pipeline of success after latest signing

Ponce’s fit within the team’s pitching staff will be an interesting storyline to follow as the season ramps up. He put up eye-popping stats in the KBO, including a 17-1 record, a 2.04 ERA, and 252 strikeouts in 180.2 innings. The 31-year-old looked like a completely different pitcher than the one who flamed out of the majors after putting up a 7.04 ERA over 38.1 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021.

The acquisition of Ponce has some fans theorizing about a possible trade of one of the starting pitchers, possibly the recently demoted Jose Berrios, in exchange for a bat. Either way, Ponce will be featured prominently.  

Lauer emerged from a depth piece to become one of the most important pitchers on the Blue Jays in 2025. Signed off the scrap heap in December, the left-hander started the season at Triple-A Buffalo before being used as a bulk reliever and as an opener through his first eight appearances with the Blue Jays. He became part of the starting rotation in mid-June and steadied the ship while Max Scherzer and Bowden Francis were recovering from injury.

He finished the year with a 9-2 record, a 3.18 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP with 102 strikeouts in 104.2 innings. He has a similar story of getting back to the big leagues as Ponce, having spent the 2024 season with KBO’s Kia Tigers. Lauer’s role on the 2026 Blue Jays is still to be determined, but whether he’s a starter or reliever, the 30-year-old will be an important piece of the staff next season. 

Moon is more of a long-term prospect at just 18 years old. He was signed out of high school, and can be developed, unlike KBO superstars or former major-leaguers who make the shift to the majors. Moon can be molded into the kind of pitcher the Blue Jays’ staff envision and can be taught new pitches and strategies as he moves through the minor leagues. 

Can the Blue Jays capitalize on these most recent signings? Ponce’s increased velocity and high strikeout rate last year show that he’s a different pitcher than he was in 2020 and 2021. Pete Walker’s track record with journeyman-type pitchers like Ponce and Lauer’s second season with the team will help build on last year’s success. Moon’s development will likely have him start in rookie ball, and the organization will take a careful approach to his promotions through the minor leagues. 

The success of the trio could attract other KBO players, especially pitchers, to the Blue Jays. Former Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-Jin  Ryu enjoyed his time in Toronto and returned to the Hanhwa Eagles (Ponce’s team last year) last season. He may have helped with recent signings and the growing momentum that Toronto has built, digging into that market.