I Can't Believe He's At This Level...Otani, Bellinger, And Chapman Are 'SF Signing Candidates'
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The San Francisco Giants are looking to bolster their offense, according to an article published by The Athletic. Lee's name was mentioned alongside other proven free agents like Ohtani, Bellinger, and Chapman.
The article concludes, "The upcoming free agency market has more options on the pitching side. San Francisco is likely to be in the mix for a few of them," adding that the Giants will be interested in top Japanese pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Orix Buffaloes) and Sonny Gray (Minnesota Twins).
"Why would San Francisco want to spend big on pitching when upgrading the batting order seems to be a higher priority? It's a matter of supply and demand. There aren't many hitters on the free agent market who can provide star power and consistency in the lineup. Bellinger in center field, Chapman at third base, and Lee Jung-hoo, last year's KBO MVP and a speedy 25-year-old center fielder. All three free agents are represented by Scott Boras," the source explained, adding, "Of course, there's Ohtani.
The source went on to say, "Even if San Francisco signs one of these players, they know that signing one player won't solve their problem. So the Giants are expected to actively explore trades to acquire hitters in exchange for young pitching talent.
This winter's free agency market is lacking some of the superstar hitters of years past. Ohtani, who is coming off elbow surgery and will not be able to pitch next season but is the favorite to lead the American League in home runs this year (44), Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, with 178 career home runs, and Chapman, with 153 career home runs, are among the big names, and it's significant that Lee's name has been mentioned alongside them. 먹튀검증
Lee struggled a bit this season, batting just 3-for-105 (329 at-bats) with six home runs, 45 RBIs, and an .863 OPS in 85 games. His hitting slump lasted for quite some time early in the season, and he underwent ankle surgery on July 22 against Sajik Lotte, which put him out for the season. He has been rehabbing for three months, but American interest in Lee has not diminished. Despite his disappointing performance this year, he has a six-year track record and is still young at 25.
The San Diego Padres and New York Yankees have been linked to Lee by the American media, but San Francisco is also among the potential suitors. San Francisco, which visited the ballpark every day during spring training in Arizona in February and recorded video footage of Lee's hitting, has continued to show interest even after the start of the season, with senior officials traveling to Korea to observe.
The Giants, who are 78-80 (.494 winning percentage) on the year, third in the National League West and out of the postseason, are in desperate need of batting help. The team ranks 27th in batting average (.237) and 25th in OPS (.700). Outside of Wilmer Flores (.284 with 22 home runs, 457 RBI, and an OPS of .863), no other player has an OPS above .800. Outside of Michael Conforto (.243, 15 homers, 58 RBI, .728 OPS), there is no clear-cut starter in the outfield. The addition of Lee would be a huge boost to the offense.
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