Lee Jung-hoo (25, San Francisco Giants), who entered the Major League Baseball (MLB) with a super-large contract, delivered words of blessing and gratitude to his friend Kim Hye-sung (24, Kiwoom Heroes) and senior Kim Ha-sung (28, San Diego Padres). 에볼루션 바카라사이트
Lee Jung-hoo, who established the pride of Korean baseball, returned home through Incheon International Airport on the 19th. Lee Jung-hoo signed a six-year, $113 million (146.2 billion won) contract with San Francisco, a prestigious Major League Baseball (MLB) club, on the 15th (Korea time). It was a good news two weeks after the posting (closed competitive bidding) was disclosed to 30 clubs on the 5th. Lee Jung-hoo’s contract was initially expected to be around $50 million to $60 million, but he broke the highest ransom for an Asian fielder who entered MLB through all-time posting.
In an interview in Korea on Wednesday, Lee said that he also received exceptional treatment. “My legs have loosened,” he said after hearing the initial offer of 100 million U.S. dollars. “It’s a burdening contract, but I gained confidence because my agent said ‘reward that you worked hard since childhood’.” Lee also expressed his determination to play in MLB with expectations rather than pressure.
Lee Jung-hoo also thanked his mentor, Kim Ha-sung. “I got to sign this contract because (Kim) Ha-sung opened a good way for me,” he said, who was the first to talk to Kim Ha-sung after the contract. Referring to the fact that Bob Melvin, who coached him for the 2023 season, became the new head coach of San Francisco, Kim Ha-sung said, “Now that I’m playing baseball with a good coach, I only need to play baseball well.”
Both San Francisco and San Diego are affiliated with the Western Division of the National League (NL). The two players will meet starting with the opening series of the San Diego Padres. “I’m excited and excited to meet you for the first time as an opponent team,” Lee said. Recently, rumors of a trade with Kim have surfaced due to the move by the San Diego Padres to reduce his annual salary. When asked if he wanted to play in the same team as Kim, Lee said with a smile, “There are so many teams in the MLB, and I don’t know what will happen, but it would be nice to play together again.”
He sent a message of support to infielder Kim Hye-sung, who recently expressed his willingness to challenge the MLB. The two players joined Kiwoom in 2017. They are also close friends who spend their free time together.
“I read an article (in the U.S.) about Kim’s advance to the MLB. I didn’t say anything about it,” Lee said. “Hyesung is also greedy.” “If he prepares well this winter, I think he will be able to make a good contract through posting next year.” Lee then said, “I hope he doesn’t get hurt the way he usually does.”
He also played with Kim Ha-sung for four years from 2017. His relationship with KBO League teams has continued to reach the big leagues. “Thank you so much for the past seven years. I also watched the video of my last at-bat in the final home game of this season in the U.S. I will not forget the cheers from the fans. Please cheer for me,” Lee said.