A shift to right field has not helped SF Giants outfielder's defense

The SF Giants had hoped that a shift to right field would help Jung Hoo Lee's defense after he struggled in center field last year. However, that has not been in the case, and the 28-year-old outfielder had another misplay in Friday night's game against the Boston Red Sox.

By every metric, the Giants had one of the worst outfield defenses last season. It would be unfair to pin all of that on one player, as everyone struggled. In particular, Lee and Heliot Ramos graded as two of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball.

Going into the offseason, the Giants aimed to improve team defense. They thought they checked that box off in a big way when they signed Harrison Bader to a two-year deal. Bader has been one of the best defensive outfielders since he made his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017.

This move shifted Lee to right field. On paper, that looked like it would be an improvement on defense. At least, that was the plan. However, Bader appeared in 30 games due to leg and foot injuries and ended his season prematurely after a scooter incident further injured his foot. There is a good chance that he has already played his last game with San Francisco.

Despite shift to right field, SF Giants outfielder's defense still grades out unfavorably

On the other hand, Lee has the traits to be an above-average right fielder. He is a quality runner with a strong arm. That said, Lee's sprint speed has declined in each of the past three years.

The Giants had hoped that this would help Lee's defense, but that has not exactly been the case. He has recorded -3 Outs Above Average (OAA), -4 Fielding Run Value (FRV), and -5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in right field. Lee has also spent some time in center field, but it has been more of the same.

On Friday night, Lee misplayed a ball in the bottom of the sixth inning. Wilyer Abreu roped a line drive directly at Lee that bounced off his glove. The Giants outfielder took several steps in before backpedaling to try to catch the ball. It was a rough read on a play that most outfielders make. Admittedly, line drives hit directly to an outfielder are often the toughest ones to make. The play was ruled a triple, and another run scored. The Giants lost the game by a score of 6-4.

The three-year veteran has had a few defensive miscues lately. This happened in the second half of last season as well, which may suggest that fatigue has set in. If that is the case, the Giants need to find a way to get him an extra day off here and there.

Nevertheless, the Giants believe that their identity is built around pitching and defense. They will need more on the defensive side from several players, including Lee.

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