Jung Hoo Lee

Lee signed a six-year, $113 million deal with the Giants in December after seven excellent seasons in Korea. Top of the scale contact ability carries his profile and helped him to a Rookie of the Year, an MVP and a lifetime .340 batting average. He's recorded a strikeout rate of 7.6 percent or better for five consecutive seasons, walking more than he struck out in each of those campaigns. Lee's strikeout rate could double upon his move to MLB and he'd still probably hit for a good average. The question is what else he'll do. Lee should help the Giants out with good outfield defense, and he should pitch in on the basepaths, though his 10.5 steals per 600 plate appearances hardly paint him as a burner. The main issue is that Lee's power may be almost non-existent. He did manage 23 homers in 2022 but finished with a single-digit total five times. He was consistently among the KBO leaders in doubles, but reports on his exit velocity data are poor, so there may not be many more homers coming. He'll also have to prove his health after a broken ankle cost him half of last season, though his contract seemingly indicates the Giants have little concerns on that front. Read Past Outlooks