Cody Ponce Crowned KBO league’s Most Valuable Player, Eyes MLB Return
The South Korean professional baseball league has recognized Hanwha Eagles pitcher Cody Ponce as its most valuable player for the 2025 season, capping a remarkable year for the American right-hander as he potentially prepares for a return too Major League Baseball.
Ponce received the prestigious Sports Seoul Player of the Year Award on December 4th, an honor accepted on his behalf by his wife, Emma Ponce, as he has already departed for the United States. He previously secured the Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League regular season MVP award on November 24th, solidifying his dominance throughout the year.
In his debut season with the KBO League, Ponce delivered an exceptional performance, posting a record of 17 wins and 1 loss with an extraordinary 1.89 ERA across 29 regular season games. His stellar pitching earned him four individual awards,including those for most wins,lowest ERA,highest winning percentage,and most strikeouts with 252. “Ponce’s impact was undeniable,” stated one baseball analyst, “He completely transformed the Hanwha Eagles’ pitching staff.”
The accolades continue to pour in for Ponce, who also received the grand prize at the Cho-A Pharmaceutical Professional Baseball Awards ceremony on December 2nd. His success comes as he is widely expected to sign with the Toronto blue jays of MLB.
Beyond Ponce’s individual triumph, the KBO League celebrated other outstanding performers. Won Tae-in of the Samsung Lions was named Pitcher of the Year, recording 12 wins and a 3.24 ERA in 27 appearances.Moon Hyun-bin of the Hanwha Eagles earned the title of Batter of the Year, boasting a.320 batting average,12 home runs,80 RBIs,and 17 stolen bases in 141 games.
Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop of the LG Twins was recognized as Manager of the Year for leading his team to a unified championship. Ahn hyun-min of the KT Wiz was selected as Rookie of the Year, showcasing a .334 batting average, 22 home runs, and 80 RBIs in 112 games, also earning a grand prize alongside Ponce at the Cho-A Pharmaceutical awards.
Further awards highlighted exceptional talent across the league. NC Dinos’ Kim Joo-won received the Skill Development Award, while Shin Min-jae of the LG Twins was named Defensive Player of the Year. Veteran Noh Kyeong-eun of the SSG Landers earned the Achievement of the Year Award for leading the league in holds with 35 at age 41, and Yang Eui-ji of the Doosan Bears claimed the Reversal of the Year Award after becoming the batting champion with a .337 average as a catcher at age 38.
Several players who transitioned as free agents were also honored. Choi Hyeong-woo, playing for the KIA Tigers in 2025, received a record award with a .307 batting average, 24 home runs, and 86 RBIs. Kim Hyun-soo, the Korean Series MVP with the LG Twins, received the leader Award.Kim Hye-seong, currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was recognized
