Dodgers News: Ryu Signs, Greinke Reportedly Next

On Sunday, the Dodgers beat the deadline to sign Ryu Hyun-jin, a left-handed starting pitcher from South Korea, for a six-year contract worth $36 million. The Dodgers had paid the $25 million transfer free for Ryu in November, and had a deal not been reached on Sunday afternoon, Ryu would have likely returned to pitch in South Korea.

"We are excited to welcome Ryu Hyun-jin to Los Angeles and the United States," said General Manager Ned Colletti, on dodgers.com.

"The Dodgers continue to show the commitment to signing players from Asia and other international areas where baseball is played at the highest levels. We are looking forward to watching Ryu pitch for the franchise."

Ryu is expected to be a middle-of-the-order starter. The 25-year-old has a fastball that tops out at about 95 miles per hour, to go along with an exceptional change up. Ryu has a career earned-run average of 2.80 in the South Korean league and was named an All-Star seven times.

However, Ryu's arrival is small news compared to an ESPN report that free agent Zack Greinke appears close to signing a deal. The Dodgers are offering Greinke the largest deal ever for a right-handed starter: six years for $147 million.

Greinke, who won the American League Cy Young in 2009, was a combined 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 34 starts with the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels in 2012. He has a 91-78 career record and a 3.77 ERA over nine seasons.