Giants Sign Korean Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee to $113 Million Deal
ICARO Media Group
The deal, reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, includes an opt-out clause after four years.
Lee, 25, comes with an impressive track record in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Over the span of six seasons with the Kiwoom franchise, he boasted an excellent batting average of .340, with an on-base percentage of .407 and a slugging percentage of .491. His performance has long placed him on the radar as a potential candidate to make the jump to Major League Baseball (MLB).
Notably, Lee set a KBO rookie record for hits at the age of 18, demonstrating exceptional talent early on in his career. He also had a standout season in 2022, winning the KBO Most Valuable Player (MVP) award as he batted .349 with a career-high 23 home runs and 113 RBIs.
In addition to his success in the KBO, Lee has also excelled in international competition. He has faced both current and former major league players and has represented Korea in events such as the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Unfortunately, Lee's most recent season was cut short due to a fractured left ankle that required surgery. He played only 86 games before the injury, but the Giants are confident in his ability to make a full recovery.
The Giants' deal with Lee also involves paying a posting fee to his KBO team, the Kiwoom Heroes. Lee is among a group of notable foreign prospects expected to sign lucrative contracts with MLB teams this offseason.
Scouting reports describe Lee as an exceptional hitter with a fast left-handed swing and remarkable hand-eye coordination. He demonstrates a mature and patient approach at the plate, making consistent contact against both fastballs and breaking balls. While not known for hitting the ball with extreme power, his strength is sufficient to hit doubles and occasional home runs.
Defensively, Lee is known for his solid instincts and ability to run good routes in center field. However, his range may be limited, particularly on balls hit over his head. With his reliable hands and average arm strength, there is a possibility that he may shift to left field at some point.
Looking ahead, the Giants anticipate Lee to be a leadoff-hitting outfielder who excels in hitting for a high average and reaching base regularly. At 25 years old, he still has his prime years ahead of him, making him a valuable acquisition for the team.
The signing of Jung Hoo Lee reinforces the Giants' commitment to building a competitive and diverse roster as they aim to make a mark in the upcoming MLB season.