Lee Jung-hoo’s San Francisco Giants are reportedly considering the recruitment of Cody Ponce, a pitcher from Hanwha. According to U.S. media outlet NBC Sports Bay Arena, there is growing speculation that the Giants, who are in urgent need of strengthening their pitching staff, might pursue Ponce.
The report highlights that San Francisco is aiming to enhance its presence in the Asian market while rebuilding its pitching rotation. The team previously signed Lee Jung-hoo from the KBO League ahead of the 2024 season, and his quick adaptation to the U.S. stage has significantly boosted the team’s internal evaluation. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to expand its influence in Asia.
One of the players receiving attention from the Giants is Ponce. He is currently looking to reestablish himself on the mound. If Lee Jung-hoo and Ponce were to play together on the same team, it could potentially increase interest among KBO League fans.
San Francisco President Buster Posey recently commented on the team’s needs. He stated:
“There’s always something I hear. Pitchers can never be enough. We thought we had a decent pitching base early in the season. But at the end of the season, I felt there was a shortage of pitchers. Pitchers have realized that the old adage that it can never be enough is certainly true.”
The Giants are expected to add at least two more starting pitchers. NBC Sports suggested that the team might target a former Major League pitcher who has succeeded overseas, such as Fonsen or Forrest Griffin.
Ponce has shown impressive growth in the KBO League this year. He was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 but failed to make an impact in the Major League. He then moved to Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2022 but did not leave a lasting impression there either. Ponce eventually came to Korea in 2025, where he made a significant impact. In 29 games, he recorded a 17-1 record with 180 ⅔ innings pitched, a 1.89 ERA, and 252 strikeouts. He also won multiple awards for wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
According to the statistics site Fangraphs, Ponce saw a dramatic improvement in physical strength after moving from Japan to Korea in 2025. His fastball speed increased by 2 miles per hour (about 3.2 kilometers per hour), and he improved his ability to use breaking balls. His performance earned praise, particularly for his 36% strikeout rate against opponents.
Fangraphs predicts that Ponce could receive a contract worth $24 million (approximately 35 billion won) over three years.
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- Blood cancer recurrence and deteriorating health have been reported for Park Joonghoon, making communication difficult.
- A day before his birthday, Park Ji-sun passed away alongside his mother. It has been five years since the incident, marking the second anniversary of his death.
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- G-Dragon shared backstage moments from the APEC event with Cha Eun-woo.
- Lee Chun-soo and Shim Ha-eun, married for only 13 years, made a big decision regarding their relationship. Fans are hoping they continue to do well until spring.