Lee Jung-hoo (25, Kiwoom Heroes) and Ryu Hyun-jin (36), who could play together in Major League Baseball (MLB) next year, are expected to sign multi-year contracts.
ESPN ranked Lee and Ryu 14th and 40th, respectively, in its projections of the contract sizes of the 50 free agents on the MLB market on Tuesday.
Lee, the best hitter in the KBO, is expected to sign a five-year, $63 million contract.
The outlet categorized Lee as a right fielder, saying, “He’s a solid player that most teams consider an ‘everyday player’. He can play center field defense. (He can hit for extra bases, but his power is in the middle of the pack.”
He noted that he is the same age as Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but said, “He’s not the type to make a big impact.”
Among hitters, Lee was ranked behind two-hitters Shohei Ohtani (No. 1), Cody Bellinger (No. 4), and Matt Chapman (No. 8).
“While the players ranked lower than Lee may have better tools, Lee’s youth and flexibility to play center field puts him at the front of the second tier of free agent outfielders,” ESPN explained.
The outlet then compared Lee to Kim Ha-Sung, who signed a four-year, $28 million deal with the San Diego Padres after the 2020 season, first through the postseason system.
“Some believe his average annualized value should be in the neighborhood of Kim’s,” ESPN said, adding, “Teams could offer him a six-year deal to lower the luxury tax impact and take into account his young age. Instead, Lee could be looking for a short-term deal to give him another chance in free agency.”
As for Ryu Hyun-jin, who is hitting the free agent market after four years with Toronto, a two-year, $14 million deal is likely.
“He could look like a candidate for a successful one-year deal,” ESPN wrote. He averages 88.8 mph on his fastball and has pitched just 17 games over the past two years, but he could get a multi-year deal.” 보스토토 주소
The media recognized Ryu’s wealth of experience. “It’s hard to find a reliable starting pitcher with postseason experience who can anchor the second half of the rotation,” ESPN said.
ESPN’s projected top free agent is Ohtani, who is expected to sign a massive 10-year, $502 million contract. Yamamoto, the No. 2, could get a seven-year, $212 million deal.