The San Francisco Giants made their first big move of the offseason, notching Korean star Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million deal, according to Jon Heyman. Lee has an opt-out after four seasons.
The Mets reportedly had “strong interest” in the outfielder. He’ll now likely be San Francisco’s Opening Day center fielder.
Lee was the KBO MVP in 2022, and he’s won KBO’s version of the Gold Glove multiple times. He has elite contact skills, and he racked up nearly 1,200 hits before turning 25. He’ll now enter MLB and have an opportunity to be a free agent again ahead of his age-29 season.
MLB Trade Rumors projected Lee to get a five-year contract at around $50 million, so the $113 million in total money is a bit of a surprise. (That doesn’t count his posting fee, either.) Lee is also coming off ankle surgery that ended his 2023 season.
The Giants had to land a big move after going after names like Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa last offseason and landing none. San Francisco is reportedly in on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as well.
