The San Francisco Giants are eyeing right-hander Cody Ponce, who has revived his MLB career with a dominant 2025 season in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
The 31-year-old, originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, has attracted attention from several teams, but San Francisco’s interest is especially notable given their rotation needs.
Ponce struggled in his brief MLB stint, going 0-6 with a 7.04 ERA in 38 1/3 innings during 2021 before the Pirates released him that November, opening the door for him to continue his career overseas. After refining his game in Japan, he flourished with the Hanwha Eagles this year.
In 27 starts, Ponce delivered a 17-1 record with a 1.89 ERA, 252 strikeouts, and a 0.94 WHIP over 180 innings, limiting hitters to a .199 average. His dominance made him the first foreign pitcher to capture the KBO’s quadruple crown — leading in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and winning percentage — a milestone not reached since 2010.
He also earned MVP honors for March-April, showcasing an improved arsenal highlighted by a mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches.
Hanwha GM Kim Hwan-sik voiced support for Ponce’s MLB ambitions, noting the club would honor his decision while seeking a posting fee if he returns stateside.
Analysts project his next deal at $2–3 million annually on a multi-year contract, similar to other KBO-to-MLB success stories like Erick Fedde.
If the Giants sign him, Ponce would join former KBO star Jung Hoo Lee in San Francisco — and reunite with family ties in the Bay Area, as he is the brother-in-law of 49ers standout George Kittle.
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