Lee Jung Hoo of the San Francisco Giants, who is set to make his Major League debut, is sailing smoothly in exhibition games. Not only in terms of simple figures such as batting averages, but he is also showing notable data in terms of ball speed, thereby increasing his chances of success.
Jake Mintz, a senior analyst in the Major Leagues, mentioned Lee’s first home run in an article contributed to U.S. media, Yahoo Sports, on the 6th (Korean time).
Lee hit a solo home run in the early third inning in an exhibition game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on the 1st. It was a solo home run that crossed the right-center wall, hitting a fastball of 94.7 mph from the opposing pitcher, Ryne Nelson.
Although it was not an official game but an exhibition game, it was significant that he quickly hit his first home run. According to MLB Statcast, Lee’s home run ball speed reached 109.7 mph, and the driving distance was 127.4m.
Mintz said, “Lee Jung Hoo, who signed a $113 million contract with San Francisco for 6 years, is one of the intriguing mystery boxes in the Major League this year,” adding that “some doubt whether Lee can compete in the MLB.”
He continued, “Lee’s 109.7 mph home run is a fantastic start. This means that his ‘fastball production ability’ is at least on the MLB average,” explaining that “Jose Altuve (Houston Astros), Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs), and Bryson Stott (Philadelphia Phillies) couldn’t produce a ball this fast last year.”
He added, “Of course, Lee still has homework to do. He must prove he can consistently produce strong hits and show a higher launch angle.”
As of the 6th, Lee has hit in all five exhibition games he has played in. His current exhibition game batting average is 0.462 (13 at-bats, 6 hits), and his OPS (On-base plus slugging) is 1.302.
Lee is expected to secure a regular position as the team’s leadoff hitter and center fielder from his rookie season.
starburyny@news1.kr