SF Giants bet on $113 million outfielder is beginning to pay off in a big way

The SF Giants have gotten off to a very nice start this season. They sit at 9-3 and have had great performances from players all over the roster. One player who is really starting to show his worth is center fielder Jung Hoo Lee.

The Giants signed Lee to a six-year $113 million contract prior to the 2024 season. It seemed like a high number at the time given the fact he had never had any MLB action coming from Korea and the KBO. Then, when he injured his shoulder last season and was on the shelf for the rest of the year after May it was fair to wonder whether Lee could end up being a bust for San Francisco.

Now, Lee is showing exactly why the Giants gave him that big contract. He came into spring training healthy and did not seem to be dealing with any lingering effects after he dislocated his shoulder last season.

Big SF Giants Jung Hoo Lee contract starting to pay off

He has carried that over into the regular season thus far. In 45 at-bats this season he is slashing .333/.375/.533. Lee has driven in four runs and already has seven doubles on the year which is the most of any MLB hitter currently. Not only that, but Lee has played a very solid center field and has stolen three bases without being caught stealing.

It seems we are now seeing the Lee that was advertised when the Giants signed him in late 2023. He is showcasing those impressive bat-to-ball skills and the speed and defense that he was known for in Korea.

He has not displayed his power a ton just yet but that is okay. His role on the team is not to hit the ball out of the ballpark. He will hit the occasional homer, but his job is really to get on base and get hits from the 3rd spot in the lineup. Thus far he has done that which is why it looks like a good move that manager Bob Melvin moved him to that spot in the lineup after spending 2024 as the leadoff hitter. 

It is still early in 2025, but it is hard not to get excited about the way Lee is playing right now. When he is hot he plays with a flair and energy that is infectious and can permeate an entire roster. Let’s hope we see more of this kind of play from Lee for the rest of the season.