The entire Major League Baseball was taken aback. There was admiration for how incredible Lee Jeong-hoo of the San Francisco Giants was in April.
Major League Baseball's official website, 'MLB.com,' conducted a survey on the 2nd (Korean time) targeting 20 high-ranking executives from Major League teams. They asked which team was the most surprising and disappointing, which players performed remarkably, and which players underperformed, and Lee Jeong-hoo was particularly highlighted.
In the month since the opening, Lee Jeong-hoo's San Francisco was cited as the most surprising team. Lee Jeong-hoo was mentioned as the central player. San Francisco received a total of 8 votes.
The media analyzed, 'San Francisco secured a record of 19 wins and 13 losses, placing high in the National League West. The Giants' offense recorded a middle ranking in the National League with a total of 32 games (8th), and the team's OPS was .684, ranking 13th among 15 teams in the National League. In contrast, the pitching staff recorded an earned run average of 4.58 (4th) and 279 strikeouts (4th). Thanks to the bullpen recording an earned run average of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.03, they placed 2nd.' An official from the American League noted, 'San Francisco is performing remarkably in a challenging division. The pitching staff has exceeded expectations and has played a catalyst role,' emphasizing that San Francisco's success is due to Lee Jeong-hoo.
Thus, Lee Jeong-hoo was chosen as the player who has shown the most remarkable performance since the opening. He received a total of 9 votes, significantly surpassing the 3 votes for Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly. The media explained, 'It is not surprising that Lee Jeong-hoo received the most votes from the first survey,' adding, 'Though Lee Jeong-hoo only played in 37 games during the 2024 rookie season, showing a less impressive performance, he is currently proving to everyone why San Francisco offered him a 6-year, $113 million (160.4 billion won) contract.'
A senior executive in the National League explained, 'In fact, his contract seemed like an overpay even before the injury. But now he is playing like an MVP.'
Another executive from the American League claimed, 'The impressive and unexpected power he has shown so far is truly remarkable,' adding, 'If he maintains this pace, this contract will ultimately be considered a tremendous value.' Major League executives acknowledged Lee Jeong-hoo's performance throughout April following the opening. He recorded a batting average of .319 (37 hits in 116 at-bats), 3 home runs, 18 RBIs, 23 runs, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of .901 over 30 games.
While he is currently taking a brief respite, up until April, he ranked first in the team in classic stats such as batting average, most hits, and OPS. Additionally, the wins above replacement (WAR) were 1.6 according to Baseball Reference and also 1.6 according to FanGraphs, ranking first in the team. Overcoming the disappointment of being sidelined for the season after shoulder surgery last year, he has been leading the team since the opening month. It was impossible to discuss San Francisco's April without mentioning Lee Jeong-hoo.
'MLB.com' along with 'Yahoo Sports' also analyzed the dynamics of the National League West, detailing Lee Jeong-hoo in the San Francisco chapter. The media claimed, 'Center fielder Lee Jeong-hoo has exhibited fantastic performances, raising both the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Giants. This has laid the groundwork for him to rise as a key player alongside Matt Chapman and Willy Adames.' While leading the team's offense, defense, and baserunning, Lee Jeong-hoo has invigorated the overall strength of San Francisco and should be regarded as a key player in his 2nd year in the big leagues. The entire Major League Baseball recognizes Lee Jeong-hoo's performance. The contract, which was thought to be excessive at $113 million, is now appearing like a fantastic deal. Lee Jeong-hoo has indeed sprinted like his nickname, 'Grandson of the Wind.'
[OSEN]