Lee Jung-hoo already creating All-Star buzz in second MLB season

San Francisco Giants' Lee Jung-hoo adjusts his helmet in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, May 7. AP-Yonhap

San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo is emerging as a potential All-Star candidate in just his second year in MLB, according to American baseball outlet Around the Foghorn.

In an article Tuesday, the site highlighted Lee alongside teammates Mike Yastrzemski and Randy Rodriguez. The outlet noted that the Giants made a sizable investment by signing Lee out of the KBO League to a six-year, $113 million (about 160.8 billion won) deal, placing high expectations on the Korean outfielder.

“The Giants knew there would be an adjustment curve,” the article said, pointing to the season-ending shoulder injury that prematurely cut short Lee’s rookie campaign in May 2024. Still, the outlet praised his ability to grind out at-bats and put balls in play, even when his overall numbers weren't especially strong.

Now healthy, Lee has carried his trademark contact skills into the 2025 season, regularly sending line drives across the field. While some questioned manager Bob Melvin’s decision to slot Lee in as the No. 3 hitter, that move has proven effective. “Lee does a nice job of keeping the line moving,” the site said, adding that he has become a catalyst for the Giants' offense.

Lee’s defense in center field has also been solid. While the season is still young, the outlet said “it might be too soon to talk about the All-Star game, but Lee has positioned himself for a potential All-Star nod in the early going.”

San Francisco Giants' Lee Jung-hoo runs to first base on his single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in San Francisco, Monday. AP-Yonhap

Lee signed with San Francisco in December 2023 and suffered a shoulder injury last year during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. His debut season ended with a .262 batting average, two home runs, eight RBI and a .331 slugging percentage over 37 games.

After undergoing surgery and completing a steady rehab process, Lee prepared for 2025 while adapting to life in the U.S. and bonding with teammates — a commitment the Giants' coaching staff has praised.

So far this season, Lee has outperformed his rookie-year stats. As of Wednesday, he is batting .285 with four home runs, 24 RBI, a .331 on-base percentage and a .456 slugging percentage over 158 at-bats.

However, May has proven more challenging for Lee. He has posted a .190 batting average with just one home run and six RBI in 42 at-bats this month. Though he recorded hits in his last two games, they were all singles, signaling a need for a turnaround.

The Giants are set to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. San Francisco will send Robbie Ray to the mound, while Arizona will counter with Brandon Pfaadt.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.