What the SF Giants signing Harrison Bader means for fan-favorite Jung Hoo Lee

The SF Giants finally made a meaningful addition to their lineup and outfield by reportedly signing Harrison Bader. What does this move mean for outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, though?

Coming into this offseason, it was clear that the Giants needed to improve defensively in the outfield. Both Lee in center and Heliot Ramos in left field graded out as two of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball last season.

With the Giants reportedly signing Bader, it seems likely that the Giants will slide Lee over to right field in 2026.

SF Giants signing Harrison Bader likely means position change for Jung Hoo Lee

This has not been confirmed by the Giants yet, but it would make sense for Lee to change positions. Bader has won a Gold Glove for his work in center field and he still grades out favorably there even though he is 31 years old.

Bader has had a number of injuries in his career so Lee's days in center may not be over entirely. If Bader has to spend time on the IL Lee may be used in center while he is on the mend.

Lee should not exactly see this as a demotion, though. Right field at Oracle Park is still incredibly tricky to play with the 24-foot wall guarding McCovey Cove behind him so he is going to have to improve defensively no matter what after last season.

Not only will Bader add some strong defense to the outfield, he will also be a nice presence to have in the lineup. He is coming off a career-best year at the plate as he slashed .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 54 runs batted in.

The Giants had long been linked to Bader this offseason, but he was reportedly seeking a three-year deal which would have definitely been a risk given his age and injury history. Instead, the Giants got him on a two-year deal for $20.5 million which is much more reasonable.

Now, the Giants can feel good about an outfield of Ramos, Bader, and Lee. It was seeming like they were going to lean upon their young options in right field like Drew Gilbert and Luis Matos, but now those guys will compete for a bench spot rather than a starting role in spring training.

Lee is obviously still going to be a huge part of the 2026 Giants and the team's success may hinge on his ability to be a force at the top of the lineup, so maybe by moving him off center field with this signing it will take a little bit of pressure off of him going forward.