If the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants failed at a rumored pursuit of Cody Bellinger in MLB free agency, a notable league insider believes they could make a star player from South Korea’s top baseball league a primary target to improve their outfield.
Both the Yankees and Giants had very disappointing seasons in 2023. New York entered the season with grand hopes of reaching the World Series after they added star pitcher Carlos Rodon to a team that won 99 games a year ago. While San Francisco thought Gabe Kapler would be able to get them back to the 107-win team they were in 2021. However, both teams were unable to reach the postseason this year.
Related: New York Yankees veteran and former analyst claims star wants a trade because hes not appreciated
The two organizations are expected to be active in MLB free agency and the trade market this winter and the pair of franchises have a shared desire to upgrade their outfields heading into 2024. That is why they each have been linked to a potential pursuit of one-time National League MVP Cody Bellinger.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers star had a big bounce-back season with the Chicago Cubs in 2023 and is one of the top outfielders in this year’s free-agent market. However, the Yankees or Giants won’t be able to land the 28-year-old and have to be prepared to shift their focus to other players if they fail in their chase for Bellinger.
Korean star Jung-Hoo Lee drawing interest from New York Yankees and many other teams
One player that MLB Network league insider Jon Morsi believes both teams may be keeping their eye on is one of the best outfield and hitting talents from South Korea’s KBO.
“Jung-Hoo Lee, a star in Korea is expected to be posted in the coming days and he is someone I think has a lot of interest in the marketplace overall. The San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees, first and foremost.”
Morsi explained in his report that the 25-year-old native of Japan idolized Ichiro Suzuki growing up and it’s why he wears No. 51 and plays a lot like him. The 2017 KBO rookie of the year also won the league’s MVP award in 2022 and has a career .340 average over his first seven seasons.
- Jung-Hoo Lee stats (2023): .318 AVG, .406 OBP, .455 SLG, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 50 R, 86 G
Lee has also won five gold glove awards in the KBO and has the ability to play center or either corner outfield spot. Another interesting factor that adds to his potential is that he has an elite-level pedigree since his father is a legend in Korean baseball.