Another big fish is off the free agent board as former KBO MVP Jung-Hoo Lee signs a 6-year, $113 million contract with an opt-out after four years with the San Francisco Giants, who missed out on the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes this season along with the famous Arson Judge incident from last year.
Lee was the MVP in the KBO in 2022 for a reason. In 142 games he hit to the tune of a .349 batting average with 23 home runs and 113 RBIs. He was on pace to replicate that season in 2023, hitting .318 in 86 games before a season-ending ankle injury occurred which shut him down.
The “Grandson of the Wind” is only 25 years old and is just entering his prime with a beautiful left-handed swing and above-average defense at all three outfield positions. He joins Mitch Haniger, Michael Conforto, and Mike Yastrzemski in an already crowded outfield with rookies Luis Matos and Heliot Ramos waiting behind for consistent playing time.
The Giants got their big fish after missing out on Ohtani and Soto, but at what cost? This outfield is crowded now, to say the least with seven outfielders, including Lee who will be fighting for playing time.
Overall though I do like the signing. Lee is an electric ball player and will bring eyes to a very interesting Giants team. The contract is also the biggest contract an international free agent has received outside of Shohei Ohtani but that makes plenty of sense as the former MVP is going to excel in the Bay Area.
Cover Image Courtesy of Getty Images and CBS Sports
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