Lee Jung-hoo, can you make it to the game? Whether it's a strong possibility or a sudden shock → The reason for raising extreme questions is

Feb 12, 2025

Sportschosun DB

The U.S. media pointed out the power of Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) as a weakness. He diagnosed that he needs improvement to play as a key player in the Major League.

On the 12th (Korea time), the U.S. sports media 『The Athletic』 introduced three major points to watch for San Francisco's spring camp.

The Athletic questioned Lee Jung-hoo, veteran starter Justin Verlander and who will take over the designated hitter, saying `San Francisco has three questions to answer by the end of spring camp.'

In particular, he advised Lee Jung-hoo that although he showed potential for development, he should supplement his slugging power.

The Athletic claimed that the time for proof has come, saying, "'Is Lee Jung-hoo a backup player or a star?'

The media reported that in December 2023, San Francisco signed a six-year, $113 million (about 165 billion won) contract with Lee Jung-hoo. This is the money paid to the star. It is the largest amount guaranteed to a player from Korea.

Then 'Lee Jung-hoo sadly collided with the outfield fence and injured his left shoulder. The first season of the Major League Baseball ended after 37 games.

In other words, Lee Jung-hoo was injured before he showed his ability to match the ransom, so he couldn't check it.

The Athletic said Lee Jung-hoo's performance has been steadily improving every week. So he is expected to reprise his role as the starting center fielder and leadoff again this season.

I didn't look at it positively.

San Francisco Giants Lee Jung-hoo left for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 13th. Incheon Airport = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.01.13/

San Francisco Giants Lee Jung-hoo left for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 13th. Lee Jung-hoo is answering reporters' questions. Incheon Airport = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.01.13/

How valuable would this media be if extreme contact hitters could not supplement their power in modern baseball? Can Lee Jung-hoo be reborn as a productive runner? More importantly, will Lee Jung-hoo be able to play consistently?If there is no improvement in the slugging power, the main position could be in jeopardy.

Lee Jung-hoo went 38 for 145 with 158 at-bats in 37 games, hit 262 with two home runs and a .31 slugging percentage. He ended the season early, leaving an unimpressive report card compared to the ransom.

Unlike The Athletic, the Major League's official website MLB.com predicted that expectations are higher than concerns.

The Major League's official website, MLB.com , also pointed out Lee Jung-hoo as a key San Francisco outfielder who will play in the new season.

MLB.com added 'Lee Jung-hoo was San Francisco's biggest free agent in the offseason last year. However, he injured his shoulder in May and ended the season early'

MLB.com will participate 100% in spring training after this. If he can recover the offense that made him a star player for seven seasons in the KBO League, San Francisco will get a big boost.'"

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.