Jung-hoo Lee Heads to the Giants: What to Make of Move

The Giants might have missed out on Shohei Ohtani, but San Francisco did make a big move on December 12 to set their roster up for 2024. Former KBO star Jung-hoo Lee is headed to the Giants on a six-year deal. At 25 years of age, very few players in this year’s market had as much as upside as Lee. Here’s a look at what the Giants are getting.

A Look at Lee

Former Kiwoom Hero and new Giants OF Jung-hoo Lee was widely expected to come over to North America in 2024 last winter after the 25-year-old won the KBO MVP. During that MVP campaign, Lee hit .349/.421/.575 with 23 home runs and 69 extra-base hits.

Lee started 2023 off hot, as the new Giant was a standout this past spring in the World Baseball Classic group stage. With Team Korea, Lee went 6-14 with two walks and five RBI.

Lee did miss time with an injury this past season with Kiwoom, but the center fielder hit a solid .318/.406/.455 with six home runs and 31 extra-base hits.

While Lee likely won’t be a plus power hitter in the Majors, the new Giant should project out at a 50 grade for power. He’s got a quick bat and showed a penchant for staying back on mistakes, crushing offspeed and breaking balls in the zone.

However, reports have indicated that Lee’s loudest tool is his hit tool. Lee rarely struck in the KBO, as he only went down on strikes 32 times over 142 games in 2022 and an additional 23 strikeouts this past year. Lee batted at least .300 in every single one of his pro seasons in the KBO.

Defensively, Lee played all three outfield positions but spent most of his time in center. The 25-year-old displayed good range at the position before an ankle injury.

The Giants do have plenty of bodies for the outfield, including Austin Slater, Mike Yastrzemski, and Luis Matos. Thus, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Giants move Lee around should San Francisco work the platoon again in 2024.

The NL West — home to current Padres infielder and fellow Team Korea star Ha-Seong Kim — is now set to get a second South Korean star in Lee. Lee’s deal is reportedly for six years at $113MM. It also comes with an opt-out after 2027.

Analysis

It doesn’t have to be said, but it’s worth noting that the Giants struck out on Aaron Judge last winter and did not sign Carlos Correa after concerns with his physical. San Francisco did beef up their 2023 lineup with outfielders Mitch Haniger and Michael Conforto last winter, but both missed time last season, and the Giants offense ultimately fell flat.

The Giants have been bitten in free agency in each of the last two winters when it comes to big stars. But with Lee now in tow, that narrative can change a bit.

Given Lee’s tools, potential, prowess, and profile, it’s not a shock to see him get a large deal. The 25-year-old has the potential to be a top-of-the-order bat for the Giants, one with power and the ability to get on base.

However, it’s unlikely the Giants are done this winter. San Francisco did not get Shohei Ohtani, even though their brass stated their offer was comparable to what the Dodgers signed him for. And, it’s an arms race in the NL West, as both the Dodgers and reigning NL champions Diamondbacks have bolstered their rosters.

Lee is a very good player. However, another power-hitting infielder for the middle of the lineup can further help turn a Giants group that finished last in the NL in OPS (.695) last season around.