The Force is strong with Toronto Blue Jays starter Cody Ponce
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Cody Ponce’s baseball journey has taken him around the world — and helped him rediscover himself along the way.
Cody Ponce, 31, last pitched in the majors in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, moving back and forth between the big-league club and Triple-A.
Seeking a fresh opportunity, he took his career overseas — first to Japan for five seasons, then to South Korea’s KBO League in 2024, where he turned in a dominant campaign and was named league MVP.
Reflecting on his journey, Ponce said the biggest difference between his time in Pittsburgh and his stint with the Hanwha Eagles wasn’t mechanical — it was personal.
“I wouldn’t even so much say it’s baseball-wise, but more personality-wise,” Ponce said Sunday at the Blue Jays’ spring training complex. “I was a young pup going up and down quite a bit for two years (with the Pirates). Being able to create my own routines, figure things out, and kind of find my inner child again made a big difference.”
For Ponce, that meant reconnecting with the things that brought him joy.
Cody Ponce credits “finding my inner child” for part of his success in the KBO.
What does that look like?
“I would say falling more in love with Star Wars, keeping a smile on my face a little bit more and just enjoying the game.” #BlueJays
What does that look like?
“I would say falling more in love with Star Wars, keeping a smile on my face a little bit more and just enjoying the game.” #BlueJays
That renewed mindset translated into remarkable results.
In 29 starts with Hanwha last season, Ponce went 17-1 with a sparkling 1.89 earned-run average and 252 strikeouts.
His performance earned him a three-year, US$30-million contract with Toronto, signed Dec. 10.
Ponce also refined his arsenal, most notably his kick change-up.
The pitch features a four-seam grip with lighter pressure from the middle finger, creating a spiked effect at release when he snaps his wrist. The offering became a major weapon during his time overseas.
He also had to adjust to different baseballs in Japan and Korea. Those balls are slightly smaller than Major League Baseballs, with narrower, higher seams and tackier leather, factors that can influence grip and movement.
Ponce successfully adapted, and he believes his improved feel for the pitch will carry over.
Ponce is expected to open the season in the Toronto Blue Jays rotation with Shane Bieber currently sidelined.
Bieber has slowed his spring progression due to forearm fatigue and is throwing at 90 feet as he continues to build strength.
Manager John Schneider remains encouraged, even though the 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner has yet to stretch out to 120 feet.
For Ponce, the opportunity is clear: armed with confidence, perspective and a devastating change-up, he’ll look to prove that his breakout year was no fluke.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 15|94 ANSWERS The Force is strong with Toronto Blue Jays starter Cody Ponce Do you think Cody Ponce will be able to recapture his KBO MVP caliber season in MLB? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 58.5 % |
| No | 16 | 17 % |
| Too early to tell | 23 | 24.5 % |
| List of polls | ||