The possibility of Lee Jung-hoo going to the MLB from the perspective of three major leaguers, will 亞 hit the jackpot for 3 consecutive years?
At one time, in the major leagues, the saying, “Beasts from Asia have a low chance of success” circulated like an orthodoxy. Of course, there are definitely great success stories such as Ichiro Suzuki and Shinsoo Choo. However, compared to the pitchers, there were certainly many cases of disappointment.
In fact, top-notch fielders representing Japan and Korea hit the major league stage with great expectations, but few players ultimately succeeded. Rather, most of them came back lonely, with only a clear distinction between the major leagues and Asian baseball. The apparent failure of these superstars didn’t help much with the major league’s view of their juniors.
But lately, a slightly different atmosphere has been read. Every year there are cases of beasts from Asia crossing the Pacific treated well. Ahead of the 2021 season, Kim Ha-seong signed a four-year contract with San Diego. 안전놀이터The Asian center infielder’s genealogy was resumed from the verge of being cut off. Kim Ha-seong broke preconceived notions about Asian beasts by displaying great defense last year.
In the past two years, two outfielders representing Japan hit the jackpot side by side. Seiya Suzuki signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs for 5 years and 85 million dollars (approximately 110.5 billion won) ahead of the 2022 season, and Masataka Yoshida signed a contract with Boston for 5 years and 90 million dollars (approximately 117 billion won) ahead of this season. The contract size of players who went to the major leagues after playing in the Asian league continues to be renewed.
Now, the next turn is Lee Jung-hoo (25‧ Kiwoom). After the end of this season, Lee Jung-hoo decided to try to enter the major leagues through the posting system (private competitive bidding). Lee Jung-hoo, who is already the best hitter in the KBO League, is receiving attention from major league clubs with his phenomenal progress every year from his rookie season to the present. It is difficult to simply compare Suzuki and Yoshida’s records as they played in a higher league, but Lee Jung-hoo has the strong advantage of being much younger than them.
Players playing in the major leagues also highly evaluate Lee Jung-hoo’s skills. Brooks Reilly (New York Mets), who returned to the major leagues after playing in the KBO League, said, “I was young at the time (I played against), but I think I would have grown more by now. He is a great player and has a good swing.” It seems to be following in the footsteps of the players who advanced to. Kim Ha-seong also performed well, adapting well to his first season in San Diego. Lee Jung-hoo will also be able to do well.”
Ryu Hyun-jin (Toronto), who had no chance to face Lee Jung-hoo in the KBO League, was well aware of his strengths through the video and the evaluations of those around him. Ryu Hyun-jin said, “Lee Jung-hoo has never played an opponent, but all the pitchers said it was the most difficult. (Kim) Gwang-hyun seemed to be having a very difficult time, and even I see him playing well.” Ryu Hyun-jin, a Korean pitcher who was closest to Cy Young in the major leagues, is known for his good eye. Although he has no experience in head-to-head, he saw that he could work through it.
Yoshida, who had memories of facing Lee Jung-hoo in the national team, also said, “I know Lee Jung-hoo. I contact him on Instagram,” and said that he had a good impression of Lee Jung-hoo while playing for the national team. He continued, “I heard that you are coming to the major leagues next year. It would be nice to meet you,” he wished for a successful entry.
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