The San Francisco Giants have made a big splash in the MLB free agency market, signing Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million contract. According to an Associated Press source, the deal is the largest ever for a South Korean-born player.
Lee, who is a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, is coming off a career year in which he hit .320 with 33 home runs and drove in 105 runs. He also led the league in hits (189) and doubles (45).
The Giants are hoping that Lee can help them get back to the playoffs after missing out the last two seasons. They have been looking for a power hitter to add to their lineup and Lee certainly fits the bill. He has averaged 28 home runs and 96 RBIs over the last three seasons and is a career .292 hitter.
The signing of Lee is a major coup for the Giants and gives them a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat. He will join Buster Posey and Brandon Belt in the heart of the order and should provide the Giants with a much-needed boost offensively.
It remains to be seen how Lee will adjust to playing in the United States, but if he can continue to produce at the same level he has in South Korea, then the Giants could be in for a very successful season. It’s a huge commitment from San Francisco, but one that could pay off big time if Lee can live up to his potential.
