FILE - South Korea’s Jung Hoo Lee plays during a baseball game at Yokohama Baseball Stadium during the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 2, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. Lee, a South Korean MVP and the son of a former MVP, will become a free agent Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, and major league teams can sign him through 5 p.m. EST on Jan. 3. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
The San Francisco Giants have recently finalized a groundbreaking deal with South Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, subsequently signing him to a six-year contract worth $113 million. The 25-year-old Lee, who has been a star player for the Kiwoom Heroes in South Korea, will now have the unprecedented opportunity to showcase his skills in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Giants. This signing has generated much excitement among fans and experts alike, as Lee is considered one of the most talented players in the sport.
The Deal Details
Under the terms of the contract, Lee will have the option to become a free agent after four seasons and $72 million. In addition to a $5 million signing bonus, he will earn salaries of $7 million in the upcoming season, $16 million in 2025, $22 million each in 2026 and 2027, and $20.5 million apiece in 2028 and 2029. These figures reflect the Giants’ confidence in Lee’s abilities and their commitment to building a winning team.
Lee’s Career Highlights
Jung Hoo Lee’s impressive career in professional baseball began in 2017 when he was voted Rookie of the Year. Since then, he has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skills, earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2022. In his most recent season with the Kiwoom Heroes, Lee batted an impressive .318 with six home runs and 48 RBIs in just 86 games. Unfortunately, he cut his season short due to a left ankle injury he sustained in a game against the Lotte Giants on July 22
International Success and Accolades
Lee’s talent extends beyond the domestic league. He has also represented South Korea on the international stage, participating in prestigious tournaments such as the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. In the 2021 World Baseball Classic, Lee batted an outstanding .429 with two doubles and five RBIs. Although South Korea did not advance from the first round, his performance was widely recognized. Furthermore, in the 2021 Olympics, Lee contributed with a .241 batting average, three doubles, one home run, and three RBIs. South Korea’s journey ended with a loss to the United States in the semifinals and a defeat against the Dominican Republic in the bronze medal match.
Impact on the San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants have high hopes for Jung Hoo Lee and believe that his addition to the team will significantly bolster their chances of making the playoffs in the upcoming seasons. The Giants, who have missed the playoffs for the past two seasons, are eager to reclaim their position as one of the top teams in the National League. With Lee’s exceptional batting skills and defensive prowess, the Giants anticipate a resurgence in their performance.
The Giants’ Commitment to Community
As part of the contract agreement, Jung Hoo Lee has committed to making charitable contributions to the Giants Community Fund. Over the course of his contract, Lee will donate a total of $60,000 in 2024, $80,000 in 2025, $110,000 each in 2026 and 2027, and $102,500 apiece in 2028 and 2029. This demonstrates his dedication to not only excelling on the field but also making a positive impact off the field.
Lee’s Family Legacy
Jung Hoo Lee comes from a family with a strong baseball background. The Central League’s Chunichi Dragons in Japan named his father, Jong Beom Lee, as MVP in 1994, and he played for them from 1998 to 2001. The elder Lee’s success and experience have undoubtedly influenced and inspired his son throughout his career. Now, Jung Hoo Lee has the opportunity to create his own legacy in the world of baseball.
Conclusion
The signing of Jung Hoo Lee by the San Francisco Giants marks an exciting chapter in both the player’s career and the team’s aspirations. Lee is poised to make a significant impact with a lucrative contract and the chance to compete at the highest level of professional baseball. As the Giants aim to return to the playoffs and compete for another championship, they have placed their trust in the exceptional talents of this South Korean outfielder. The fans eagerly await Lee’s debut in a Giants uniform, and the baseball world watches with anticipation as he takes on this new challenge in his career.
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