One Win Away: Ryu Hyun-jin Reaches 199 Combined Wins, Closing in on Historic 200

Ryu Hyun-jin (right) is just one victory away from an unprecedented milestone. ⓒ Yonhap News

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Ryu Hyun-jin moved to within one win of the historic 200 combined victories in Korea and the United States after earning his fourth win of the 2026 season on Wednesday. The left-hander started for the Hanwha Eagles against the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, pitching five innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits, two walks, and striking out nine batters. Hanwha cruised to an 11-5 victory, backing their ace with plenty of run support.

Through the first three innings, Ryu was dominant, allowing just one hit and no walks. Kiwoom’s bats struggled against his precise command and routinely grounded out. Trouble began in the fourth inning when a single from Ahn Chi-hong and a double from Choi Joo-hwan put runners on second and third. A sacrifice fly from Brooks gave Kiwoom its first run of the game.

In the fifth, after two outs, Seo Geon-chang singled to reignite the rally. Ryu’s control suddenly wavered, walking Lim Byung-wook and then throwing a wild pitch that moved runners to second and third with two outs. Ahn Chi-hong, who had already singled earlier, delivered a two-run double, leaving Ryu frustrated. He then retired Choi Joo-hwan on a groundout to end the inning and was replaced by Cho Dong-wook to start the sixth.

Hanwha’s offense gave Ryu plenty of breathing room. In the first inning, Noh Si-hwan blasted a grand slam, and the team added five runs in the frame. They tacked on one run in the second and two more in the fourth, ensuring Ryu’s lead never felt threatened.

This win brought Ryu’s season record to 4-0 and his combined career tally to 199 wins across the KBO and MLB. He began his professional career in Korea with the Hanwha Eagles from 2006 to 2012, winning 98 games before moving to Major League Baseball. From 2013 to 2023, he pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, amassing 78 wins. After returning to Hanwha in 2024, he has added 19 wins over the past two seasons.

Now, with 199 combined wins, Ryu is on the verge of becoming the first pitcher ever to reach 200 combined victories in both leagues. Barring any unexpected changes, he will make his next start on May 17 against the KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park, where he will chase baseball history.