Outfielder Lee Jung-hoo, one of the standout players in South Korean baseball over the past seven seasons, fulfilled his childhood dream by returning home as a San Francisco Giant on Tuesday. Accompanied by a lucrative multiyear contract, Lee, formerly of the Kiwoom Heroes, arrived at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, on Tuesday evening. He was officially introduced as the newest member of the Giants on Friday afternoon at Oracle Park in San Francisco. The 25-year-old inked a substantial six-year, $113 million contract on Thursday, including an opt-out clause after his fourth season in 2027, allowing him to become a free agent at the age of 29.
This contract stands as the largest ever given to a South Korean player leaving the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) for Major League Baseball (MLB) via posting. Additionally, it marks the most significant deal for a free agent position player in the history of the San Francisco Giants.
Lee’s introduction also marked a notable event as the first time a new Giants player was presented at their home park since January 2018. At the airport, Lee shared with reporters that he had harbored dreams of playing in MLB since elementary school, and witnessing South Korea’s gold medal victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics further fueled his ambition.
“I think I’ve just realized the first part of my dream,” said Lee, expressing his excitement. “My next goal is to actually play well in the majors.”
Lee’s impressive career in the KBO includes being named the Rookie of the Year in 2017 and the Most Valuable Player in 2022. In the latter year, he led the league in batting average (.349), hits (193), RBIs (113), on-base percentage (.421), and slugging percentage (.575). Departing the KBO with a remarkable .340 career batting average, the highest among players with at least 3,000 plate appearances, Lee showcased consistent performance over 3,947 plate appearances in 884 games. Notably, he maintained a career .407 on-base percentage, with more walks than strikeouts in five of his seven seasons in the KBO.
Following the 2022 season, he publicly expressed his desire to play in the majors, and in January 2023, the Heroes agreed to post him after the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.
Lee’s posting on Dec. 5 initiated a 30-day negotiating period, concluding on Jan. 3. The Giants acted swiftly, and reports of the deal surfaced the previous Tuesday, officially announced after Lee passed his physical on Thursday. The value of Lee’s contract far exceeded initial expectations among U.S.-based pundits, who had estimated it at around $50 million. Lee admitted his thrill upon hearing the Giants’ offer, stating, “It’s an honor to join such a prestigious organization.
Before his visit to Oracle Park, Lee had only been to one other major league park, Chase Field in Phoenix, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, during spring training earlier this year. He expressed his awe at the Giants’ home stadium.
