The overall leader in RBIs in Major League Baseball, surpassing top batter Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), is with the San Francisco Giants. Wilmer Flores (34), teammate of Lee Jung-hoo (27), has an impressive RBI pace.

Flores led San Francisco to a 4-2 victory with 2 RBIs after going 2-for-4 as the fifth designated hitter in the home game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2025 Major League held on the 24th (Korean time) at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California.

In the 6th inning, tied at 0-0, following Willy Adames' hit to center, Lee Jung-hoo's hit to right, and Matt Chapman’s walk, Flores faced a new pitcher, Nick Mears, and hit a low slider on the fourth pitch outside. It was a difficult pitch to hit, but Flores lowered his stance to make contact, and it turned into a 2-RBI single that went off the shortstop’s glove and into center field. Although it was a ground ball, the course was good.

With this, Flores rose to first place in Major League Baseball in this sector with 27 RBIs. He surpassed sluggers Judge and Pete Alonso (New York Mets), who both recorded 26 RBIs. While the value of RBIs has not remained as high as in the pre-Sabermetrics era, it still remains one of the indicators showing the ability to resolve opportunities.

Flores expressed gratitude during an interview with 'NBC Sports Bay Area' after being asked about reaching the top in RBIs, saying, "The batters in front of me keep getting on base. Today, Chapman and Lee Jung-hoo got on against good pitchers. I am lucky to have them in front of me."

As Flores said, Lee Jung-hoo and Chapman consistently get on base in front of him in the 3rd and 4th spots, setting the table for Flores in the 5th spot. On that day, Lee Jung-hoo got 3 hits, and although Chapman did not have any hits, he drew 2 walks.

Lee Jung-hoo has a season on-base percentage of .388, while Chapman stands at .420. Flores has stepped up to the plate in scoring positions 34 times, ranking 14th in the league. Of course, no matter how many chances arise, if the batter cannot provide, no RBIs can be gained, but Flores has an impressive ability to capitalize on the opportunities that come his way.

This season, in scoring positions, Flores is performing with a batting average of .387 (12 hits in 31 at-bats), 3 home runs, 22 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.118. His figures when there are no runners on base are a batting average of .190 (8 hits in 42 at-bats), 3 home runs, and 3 RBIs with an OPS of .649, which are significantly lower. He is displaying amazing focus when there are runners on base. Regarding the 2-RBI single in the 6th inning, NBC Sports Bay Area analyst Shawn Estes said, "Flores has a knack for hitting according to the situation. He didn't hit strongly today, but he calmly placed the ball toward center field. This is something San Francisco hitters should learn from."

Flores, a 13-year veteran infielder who made his debut with the New York Mets in 2013 and played for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 before joining San Francisco in 2020, has recorded a total of 160 home runs. In 2023, he achieved a personal best with 23 home runs, marking the eighth season of hitting double-digit home runs. His 71 RBIs in 2022 stand as a personal single-season record.

Standing fixed as a designated hitter this year, he is off to a good start with a batting average of .258 (23 hits in 89 at-bats), 7 home runs, and 27 RBIs in 25 games. If Flores maintains these results heading into free agency after the season, he will definitely receive a good offer. The steady presence of Lee Jung-hoo getting on base ahead of him is a significant support for Flores as well.

Bob Melvin, San Francisco's manager, also said on the 22nd, "Flores' impressive RBIs come from the timing of those RBIs. He has created many dramatic moments in crucial moments throughout his career, so it is no longer surprising. He is incredibly consistent, and Lee Jung-hoo is the same," identifying Flores and Lee Jung-hoo as key elements of the team's early-season rise.

[OSEN]