SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants have made a significant addition to their roster for the upcoming season with the acquisition of South Korean star Jung Hoo Lee. Lee, known for his athleticism, defensive prowess, and ability to make contact, is expected to bring a new dimension to the Giants’ lineup.
During a news conference introducing Lee to the Bay Area, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi expressed his excitement about the signing. Zaidi highlighted the team’s offseason goals, which included becoming more athletic offensively, increasing contact, and aligning with the evolving trends in baseball. He emphasized that Lee was the perfect fit to achieve these objectives.
The Giants’ front office had scouted Lee extensively during his time in the Korean league and was further impressed by his performance in the World Baseball Classic last spring. As a result, Lee secured a lucrative six-year, $113 million contract with the team.
Lee’s charismatic personality also shone through during the news conference. He energized the audience with an enthusiastic “Let’s Go Giants” and playfully bestowed upon himself the nickname “Grandson of the wind” in honor of his father, Jong Beom Lee, who was known as “Son of the wind” for his speed on the field.
The Giants have been seeking to bounce back from two consecutive seasons without playoff appearances after their remarkable 2021 campaign, where they won a franchise-record 107 games and secured the NL West title. The team faced disappointment in previous offseasons, missing out on high-profile free agents and rivals such as Shohei Ohtani.
Lee, at the age of 25, was posted by South Korea’s Kiwoom Heroes on December 4, setting the stage for his move to the MLB. If he completes his entire six-year contract with the Giants, the team will owe the Heroes an $18,825,000 posting fee. However, if Lee opts out after four years, the posting fee will be reduced to $12,675,000. Additionally, San Francisco will be responsible for a 15% fee on any earned bonuses or escalators.
General manager Pete Putila’s commitment to securing Lee was evident when he traveled to Korea specifically to witness Lee’s brief appearance in October. Scott Boras, Lee’s representative, praised the Giants’ dedication to the player.
Lee’s baseball achievements are impressive, with a career batting average of .340, 65 home runs, and 515 RBIs for the Kiwoom Heroes. He has also earned six Golden Glove awards during his career. Last season, he recorded a batting average of .349, hitting 23 home runs and 113 RBIs while striking out only 32 times. Lee was named Rookie of the Year in 2017 and MVP in 2022.
In international play, Lee has showcased his skills, making a strong impression in the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. Zaidi expressed the significance of Lee’s performance on the global stage and emphasized that it was a crucial factor in the Giants’ decision to sign him.
As Lee prepares to transition to the MLB, he expressed confidence in his abilities and readiness for the challenge. He anticipates making a strong impact from Opening Day and is eager to contribute to the Giants’ success in the upcoming season.
Overall, the addition of Jung Hoo Lee is expected to bolster the San Francisco Giants and bring renewed optimism to the team and its fans as they aim for a successful 2024 season.