Only when LEE goes up a notch will survival media be established in the western part of SF, Lee Jung-hoo Adames must-win table setter leave on the 13th

Jan 12, 2025

The San Francisco Giants' team's offense will gain momentum only when leadoff Lee Jung-hoo takes the next level. Sports Chosun DB

San Francisco Giants Lee Jung-hoo will depart for the United States on the 13th. Sports Chosun DB

It was pointed out that Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants, who is in his second year in the Major League, needs to work harder to match the scouting report evaluation.

MLB.com expressed regret on the 12th (Korea time) by mentioning Lee Jung-hoo for the fifth time in an article titled 'Last year's FA Top 10', which has a lot to prove.

Reporter Thomas Harrigan advised, `With Adam's addition, the Giants' lineup will be greatly helped, but if they want to make a splash in the NL West, which is full of strong teams, FA big man Lee Jung-hoo, who was recruited last year, needs to take a step up.'

San Francisco has strengthened its offense and defense by recruiting infielder Willie Adames for seven years and $182 million in the FA market. However, he wrote that Lee Jung-hoo, who will be in charge of getting on base in front of Adames batting order, is required to make efforts.

Lee Jung-hoo signed a six-year, $113 million contract with San Francisco through posting negotiations in December 2023. It was the highest ransom record for an Asian beast of all time. In addition, it was the highest contract among fielders in the history of the San Francisco team except for the number of pitches.

It was evaluated as a megaton-class contract that contains contact heating, fast feet, and expectations for a stable defense that can also work in the Major League.

After successfully completing the exhibition game, Lee Jung-hoo adapted by playing as a leadoff center fielder from the opening game. However, he ended his first season with an unexpected injury ahead of him and lost the opportunity to show his ability.

Willi Adames, who signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with San Francisco. On the right is Bob Melvin. ImagesYonhap News

Lee Jung-hoo, who injured his shoulder against Cincinnati in May last year. AP Yonhap News

In a home game against the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park on May 13 last year, he rushed to the fence in the top of the first inning to catch a fly deep to the right-center by his opponent, Jamer Candelario, and hit his left shoulder and ended the season with a broken wasp. The surgery was performed on June 5 in LA with the conduction of Dr. Neal Elatrice.

Reporter Harrigan said 'He showed quite good contact skills before the injury. The swing and miss ratio was 9.6%, the strikeout rate was 8.2%, and the square-up rate was 37.1%. ' However, these indicators did not lead to good results. He evaluated that he had a batting average of 0.262, six long balls, two homers and an OPS of only 0.641 in 158 at-bats.

Lee Jung-hoo is expected to take the lead in the team's offense as a leadoff center fielder again this season. Center fielder Lee Jung-hoo, shortstop Adames, first baseman Lamont Wade Jr., third baseman Matt Chapman second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald, right fielder Mike Yastremski, left fielder Elliott Ramos, designated hitter Wilmer Flores and catcher Patrick Bailey are the most likely candidates.

Meanwhile, Lee Jung-hoo will depart for the U.S. on the 13th and begin to build his body about a month before the opening of spring training. It was originally scheduled to leave in December, but it was decided to enter Arizona via Las Vegas on the 13th, a day later due to the aftermath of a large wildfire in LA, California.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.