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Kiwoom Heroes to post Jung Hoo Lee after 2023 season

By David Hill

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 02: Jung Hoo Lee #51 of Team South Korea hits an RBI sacrifice fly to center field against Team Israel in the first inning during the knockout stage of men's baseball on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 02, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Yuichi Masuda/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 02: Jung Hoo Lee #51 of Team South Korea hits an RBI sacrifice fly to center field against Team Israel in the first inning during the knockout stage of men's baseball on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 02, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Yuichi Masuda/Getty Images) /
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Jung Hoo Lee has made no secret of his desire to be posted once the 2023 season concludes. He had already told the Kiwoom Heroes that he wants to be posted during the 2023-24 offseason once his seven season in the Korean Baseball Organization has concluded, making him eligible to test his market stateside.

The Heroes are reportedly set to acquiesce to Lee’s request. According to Jeeho Yoo from Yonhap News, Lee will be posted this offseason as the Heroes will let Lee pursue his dream of playing in the majors.

Jung Hoo Lee immediately becomes intriguing offseason target

Lee has the potential to become the best player from South Korea to play in the majors, let alone the best KBO alum. As it currently stands, Jung Ho Kang and his 5.9 bWAR lead former KBO players in terms of major league production, a mark that Lee could surpass within a year or two if he can produce at his accustomed level.

He already has an impressive resume in the KBO. The 2017 Rookie of the Year, he has won five consecutive Golden Glove awards, earned two batting titles, and was the 2022 KBO MVP. Lee is the fastest player in league history to 1000 hits and is the only player in KBO history with six consecutive seasons with at least 160 hits, something he has done in his first six seasons in the league.

Suffice to say, his performance with the bat has been impressive. Lee has posted a .342/.407/.495 batting line in his 3560 plate appearances, hitting 59 homers and 221 doubles. His plate discipline and ability to make contact are equally impressive as he has drawn 334 walks with just 281 strikeouts.

That production makes Lee one of the more intriguing prospects to come out of the KBO. He will also be one of the more intriguing players on the market next season – a 25 year old with an impressive resume and plenty of accolades. Lee is going to generate plenty of attention on the open market next offseason as an on base machine with excellent defense and an impressive ability to make contact.

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Jung Hoo Lee will be heading stateside for the 2024 season. The Kiwoom Heroes have reportedly agreed to post Lee after this season concludes.

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