Giants & Yankees Frontrunners To Sign KBO MVP This Offseason

The New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants are both reportedly interested in acquiring Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) star outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who has been a standout player in the league.

Lee, expected to be posted by the Kiwoom Heroes, is poised to enter the MLB scene as a highly sought-after talent.

Jung Hoo Lee has had a remarkably successful career in the KBO, showcasing impressive skills at the plate.

His career batting line stands at .340/.407/.491, a testament to his consistent high performance. In the 2023 season, despite it being cut short due to injury, he maintained an average of .318.

THREAD: Had to do some serious Instagram diving to find these KBO Jung Hoo Lee clips. Please enjoy #Mets pic.twitter.com/AlHf3S6kBc

— el jefe 🐭🇺🇸 (@JWaegs) November 19, 2023

His best season was in 2022, where he achieved a career-high of 23 home runs along with 10 triples, culminating in a .996 OPS. He was also named the MVP of the KBO that year.

This shows his ability to bring power to his game, a skill that MLB scouts have undoubtedly taken note of​.

Apart from his batting prowess, Lee is also lauded for his defensive skills. He is considered an "above-average defensive center fielder," an attribute that adds to his overall value, especially if his power hitting translates well in the MLB.

Despite ending the 2023 season early due to a fractured ankle, there is no indication that this injury will affect his transition to the MLB.

His performance in the World Baseball Classic, where he posted a .429/.500/.571 batting line, is a further testament to his readiness for international competition​.

Jung Hoo Lee swung 26 times in the WBC and did not whiff once

— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) November 20, 2023

One of the most significant aspects of Lee's potential MLB career is his age.

At 25, he is younger than other top free agent bats, suggesting a high ceiling for growth and adaptation to the American style of play.

However, adapting to the increased velocity of MLB pitching is a noted challenge. Lee has been proactive in preparing for this, working on a swing change to handle fastballs better.

With his track record of high batting averages, low strikeout rates, and defensive abilities, Lee is poised to be a valuable addition to any MLB team he joins​. Photo Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports