Jays sign former Cardinals closer
Toronto inks 1-year deal with pitcher Seung-hwan Oh DUNEDIN, FLA. — The Blue Jays have added another arm to their bullpen. Late Sunday, it was reported that free-agent right-hander Seung-hwan Oh had agreed to terms with the Jays on a one-year contract, with a vesting option for 2019. The contract was pending a team physical and a roster spot. The news was first reported by Robert Murray of FanRag Sports, with details of the 2018 $2-million guaranteed contract, plus an option by Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet. The 35-year-old right-hander had previously agreed to terms with the Rangers, for a reported $2.75 million for one season plus an option, but Texas was deterred by the results of an MRI that showed ligament inflammation in the right elbow. They tried to renegotiate the terms and were rebuffed. Oh has pitched the last two seasons with the Cardinals after an 11-year career in Korea and Japan. Oh is represented by Rosenhaus Sports. On the opening day of Blue Jays full squad spring workouts, GM Ross Atkins told reporters that there was a 90 per cent chance the club would add another player prior to opening day, most likely a reliever. Oh is expected to join the setup mix in front of closer Roberto Osuna that currently is led by Ryan Tepera and Danny Barnes. The arrival of Oh casts a shadow on the chances of right-handers John Axford and Al Albuquerque to gain a spot. Oh had an outstanding 2016 season as a 33-year-old MLB rookie with the Cardinals, posting a 1.92 ERA and an outstanding 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings pitched ratio over the course of his 79 2/3 innings. His numbers dropped off significantly in 2017, but as a free agent, at the price the Jays paid for 2018, it’s a low-risk investment. Oh is a talented pitcher with a solid to spectacular track record as a reliever in Korea, Japan and with the Cardinals, but he also comes with plenty of baggage. On-field baggage? Oh has battled questions about his health from the time he was a star high school pitcher in South Korea. He had Tommy John surgery in 2001 and had elbow bone spurs removed via surgery in 2010. That followed right shoulder issues that hampered his performance in 2009-10 with Samsung Lions. Then there was this month’s free-agent signing issue with Texas. Off-field baggage? Following the 2015 season, in a widely-reported incident, Oh was suspended for half a season by the Korean Baseball Organization for gambling at a casino in Macau. By that time, Oh had already been pitching in Japan for two seasons. Oh ended up paying a fine of roughly US$8,300. Once the Oh deal is finalized, the Jays will have to clear a 40man roster spot. There are currently 30 pitchers in major-league camp, including non-roster invitees.