Why the SF Giants should consider another position change for Jung Hoo Lee

The SF Giants moved Jung Hoo Lee off of center field last offseason. The results were not much better in right field in 2026, and there is more than one reason why they should consider another position change.

Outfield defense has been a problem area for the Giants over the past few years, and that extends beyond one player. This year was no different, but there was improvement in center field.

Overall, their outfield defense put up -12 Outs Above Average and -14 Fielding Run Value (FRV). Both of those marks ranked in the bottom third of baseball.

Led by Drew Gilbert and Jonah Cox, Giants center fielders combined to post 5 OAA and 2 Fielding Run Value (FRV). While that is not necessarily elite defense, these are strong marks at a premium position.

The Giants will need to look to the corners to improve the rest of the outfield defense. To some degree, they already started that process when they traded Heliot Ramos to the New York Yankees.

The next move might not be a trade, but a shift. Jung Hoo Lee was originally signed to be a center fielder. They brought in Harrison Bader last offseason, which moved Lee to right field. They hoped that Bader would help stabilize outfield defense, but his tenure might already be over after 30 games.

Jung Hoo Lee’s defense graded out unfavorably for the SF Giants in 2026

Lee’s defense in right field was not terrible, but it was not a strength either. He put up -4 OAA and -5 FRV at that position in 2026, which ranks near the bottom among right fielders.

Based off the eye test, Lee did just fine but it is hard to ignore that the defensive miscues added up as the season progressed. Now, it bears mentioning that right field at Oracle Park is arguably the toughest in baseball, so his defensive numbers were likely hurt by that.

The Giants’ team identity is intended to be built around pitching and defense, but it has not played out that way. In terms of metrics, the front office may have all the information it needs to consider another position change for Lee.

The Giants may have another reason to consider a change. Lee has an opt-out after the 2027 season. If the they can get better results from him, that might entice him to opt out of the final two years of his six-year, $113 million deal. Age will be in his favor, as he will turn 29 at the end of next season. The left-handed bat has become a popular player, but it is fair to say that he has not lived up to the expectations of his contract. That could be said for a few other players as well. A position change could help them get out of that deal.

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