Lee Jung-hoo was featured on the main screen of Major League Baseball’s official Twitter account. MLB.COM Wrap-up
The Samsung Lions and Kiwoom Heroes of the 2023 KBO League play at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Oct. 10.
San Francisco Giants general manager Pete Puttler was in the stands.
He was there to watch the farewell game of Lee Jung-hoo (25), who decided to move to the United States after the season.
Lee only had one at-bat in his rehabilitation from ankle surgery, but it was enough for the Giants. San Francisco actively courted Lee, and eventually landed him.
On the 13th (KST), local media outlets such as the New York Post and The Athletic cited sources as saying, “Lee Jung-hoo is going to San Francisco.
The contract is for six years and $113 million (14.84 billion won – an average of $18.83 million per year), with an opt-out clause after four years.”
Lee declared himself a major leaguer before the season and filed for postseason posting (sealed competitive bidding).
He had until Jan. 4 of next year to negotiate with all major league teams.
Pending medical tests, the Giants and Lee will not make an official announcement until the afternoon of the 13th.
In terms of contract value alone, the deal is the largest for an Asian-born player to reach the major leagues via post.
The previous record was held by Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who signed a five-year, $90 million deal ($18 million per year average) with the Boston Red Sox in 2022.
