Lee Jung-hoo made a “golden return” through Incheon International Airport on the 19th (Korean time) after completing the San Francisco Giants’ joining ceremony. Amid the news of Lee Jung-hoo’s arrival, Incheon International Airport was buzzing with reporters and fans “lucking in.”
Lee Jung-hoo was not able to play a full-time season due to ankle surgery and received hot attention from major league clubs throughout the stove league despite not being posted. San Francisco, as well as the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs, competed to hold Lee Jung-hoo in their arms until the end, and San Francisco took over Lee Jung-hoo.
Lee Jung-hoo’s ransom soared naturally as the competition without giving up an inch, far exceeding the prospect of “CBS Sports,” which predicted the highest contract size with San Francisco at a six-year $90 million (about 117.6 billion won), which includes an opt-out clause. There was a prospect that Lee Jung-hoo could be close to Masataka Yoshida (Boston Red Sox, five-year $90 million), but none of them expected a mega contract worth more than $100 million.
With the final confirmation of his trip to San Francisco through a six-year, $113 million (about 147.6 billion won) mega contract, Lee Jung-hoo won the largest contract among players who entered the Major League through the KBO League, surpassing both “Awesome Kim” Kim Ha-sung (San Diego Padres, $39 million for 4+1 years) and “Korean Monster” Ryu Hyun-jin (then LA Dodgers, $36 million for six years). In addition, he beat Yoshida as an Asian fielder and ranked second in history among Asian players, including pitchers, after Masahiro Tanaka (Rakuten Golden Eagles)’ $155 million (about 2025 billion won).
The highest-paid player in San Francisco’s squad this year was Jak Pederson. After the 2022 season, Pederson accepted San Francisco’s Qualifying Offer (QO) and raised 16.5 million dollars. However, as Pederson entered the free agent market this year, San Francisco’s Salary King changed. It is Lee Jung-hoo. Lee Jung-hoo was guaranteed a total of $113 million, earning an annual average of 18.33 million dollars, and has become the highest-paid player, surpassing Logan Webb and Michael Confoto (18 million dollars).
Lee Jung-hoo was also quite surprised by San Francisco’s offer. Rumor has it that the moment he was offered a mega contract worth more than 100 million U.S. dollars, he sat down and couldn’t hide his joy enough to cover his head. “This was my first offer,” Lee told reporters on Wednesday. “I can’t reveal the details as it is not polite to the teams that negotiated, but it is an honor to be at a prestigious San Francisco club. As the club has invested in it, I will repay the fans with the appropriate play,” Lee smiled.
Asked if his legs are full leaders, Lee Jung-hoo smiled shyly and said, “In a way, my contract was concluded earlier than my seniors, but I had mixed feelings.” When asked, “Isn’t it burdensome?” he said, “What the agent (Scarat Boras) said was the most memorable thing. At first, it was also a burden, but he said, “Don’t feel pressured because you’ve been rewarded for playing baseball since you were young.” So now, I’m looking forward to it rather than burdening it.”
Lee Jung-hoo was happy to have a big contract and be able to donate. Lee Jung-hoo’s contract includes a donation clause of $60,000 (about 78.42 million won) in 2024, $80,000 (about 14.56 million won) in 2025, $110,000 (about 143.77 million won) in 2026-2027, and $102,500 (about 133.97 million won) in 2028-2029. “I’m grateful for everything, but I’m satisfied that I can make donations in between,” he said.
As Lee Jung-hoo embraced the big deal, the “friendship” Kiwoom Heroes will also be in the money box. Kiwoom will receive $18.825 million (about 24.6 billion won) in transfer fees if Lee Jung-hoo does not exercise the “opt-out” and fulfills all six-year contracts with San Francisco. Kiwoom, which has produced numerous major leaguers including Park Byung-ho, Kang Jung-ho and Kim Ha-sung through the “posting system,” will hold a large amount of over 50 billion won in its arms just by posting as Lee Jung-hoo enters the big league stage.
Lee Jung-hoo trembled, “Wouldn’t it be good?” about Kiwoom’s big money due to his posting. Lee Jung-hoo then reiterated, “I hope you spend more of that money for the players,” adding, “Of course, it’s enough now, but I hope you do more for the players.”
The fact that young players including Kim Ha-sung and Lee Jung-hoo have entered the big league can be a “motivation” for juniors who grow up or learn from watching them. In response, Lee Jung-hoo did not spare any advice. “By winning a big contract, I think my friends and juniors who are similar to me can develop their dreams for the big league. I want to tell them that they should work harder and not be complacent because they are much more talented than me and have many outstanding players. I hope they have a big goal because if they work harder, there will be many opportunities,” he stressed.
Lee Jung-hoo also expressed his gratitude to Kiwoom fans. Lee Jung-hoo said, “I was so grateful for the past seven years. When I had time in the U.S., I watched the cheering and cheering videos from the fans when I came to the batter’s box in the last home game. I was so thankful, and I won’t forget the cheering and cheering, and I’ll do my best in the U.S. I’ll do my best. I’ll do my best like a hero. I’ll repay the fans with great plays.” He clenched his fists.