Jung Hoo Lee – San Francisco Giants Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jung Hoo Lee, or “The Grandson of the Wind” as fans call him in Korea, has become one of baseball’s most intriguing international players since joining the San Francisco Giants. The Korean outfielder grabbed headlines after he signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants before the 2024 MLB season.

His deal comes with a $5 million signing bonus and yearly salaries that climb up to $22 million in both 2025 and 2026.

Lee built his path to Major League Baseball after an impressive run in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he made his name as an elite contact hitter and a standout defender. He’s one of the most significant recent KBO-to-MLB moves, and some MLB execs have already called his contract a “steal” for the Giants.

The Giants put down $132 million in total (including posting fees), showing just how much faith they have in Lee’s ability to thrive in MLB. He’s got a disciplined approach at the plate and looks smooth in the outfield, so fans in San Francisco are watching closely as he adapts to the top level of baseball.

Early Life and Baseball Background

Jung Hoo Lee’s story starts with his remarkable family background and grows through his standout amateur career in South Korea.

Family and Upbringing

Lee was born on August 20, 1998, in Nagoya, Japan, while his father played pro baseball there. His dad, Lee Jong-beom, was a legendary Korean player known as the “Son of the Wind” for his speed and athleticism.

This baseball pedigree gave Jung Hoo a head start in the game.

He grew up in a baseball household, surrounded by the sport from the start. Even with his dad’s fame, Jung Hoo worked hard to carve out his own identity on the field.

Unlike the powerful business families like the Lees of Samsung or the Chung family of Hyundai, Jung Hoo’s family influence stayed within baseball circles.

His father coached him first, teaching him fundamentals and baseball smarts that shaped his game. Jung Hoo developed a patient approach at the plate and sharp contact skills, which set him apart from his dad’s speed-first style.

Amateur Baseball Career

Lee attended Seoul High School and quickly became one of South Korea’s top prospects. While many Korean students chase academic paths to big companies, Jung Hoo focused single-mindedly on baseball.

In high school, he showed off his batting and defensive skills as an outfielder. Scouts took notice during top tournaments, and he kept his batting average above .400 for most of his high school years.

He built a reputation for plate discipline and contact hitting, traits that stuck with him into his pro career. Instead of swinging for power, Jung Hoo focused on getting on base and making consistent contact, making him a valuable offensive player even as a teenager.

He earned spots on youth national teams and picked up several all-tournament honors in high school competitions.

Pathway to Professional Baseball

Jung Hoo’s jump to pro baseball happened when the Nexen (now Kiwoom) Heroes picked him first overall in the 2017 KBO League draft. That top selection showed he was the most promising amateur in the country.

He made an instant impact, winning KBO Rookie of the Year in 2017, just like his father had. Lee’s rookie batting average of .324 set a KBO rookie record, proving he was ready for pro competition.

Lee made a smooth transition from amateur to pro at only 18 years old and reportedly weighed just 140 pounds when he started. Even though he was slight, his hand-eye coordination and instincts helped him hold his own against veterans.

He built a foundation for his eventual move to MLB with the San Francisco Giants.

KBO Stardom and Achievements

Jung Hoo Lee’s career in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) made him one of the league’s brightest stars. He delivered consistent performances and wowed fans with his skills, picking up plenty of awards along the way.

Significant Career Milestones

Lee debuted in the KBO at just 18 with the Nexen (now Kiwoom) Heroes in 2017. He jumped out of the gate, winning Rookie of the Year after batting .324 with 179 hits.

He kept improving as a hitter. In 2022, Lee posted his best season yet, hitting .349 with 23 home runs and 113 RBIs over 142 games.

He’s legendary for his contact skills, holding a career batting average above .340 for several seasons. Lee rarely struck out—he kept his strikeouts under 40 for five straight years, which is pretty wild for pro baseball.

Awards and Recognitions

Lee’s trophy case is packed. He grabbed the KBO MVP in 2022, confirming his spot as the league’s top player.

He also won five straight Golden Gloves from 2018 to 2022, which recognized both his bat and his outfield defense. Those awards showed just how well-rounded he was.

Fans started calling him “Grandson of the Wind” because of his speed and outfield range, following his dad “Son of the Wind.”

He took home the KBO batting title in 2022 with his .349 average, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s best hitters.

Contribution to Kiwoom Heroes

Lee’s presence changed the Kiwoom Heroes (formerly Nexen Heroes), helping the team become a real contender in the KBO. His steady play led the Heroes to several playoff runs.

In 2021, he batted .360 during the regular season and pushed the Heroes into the postseason with clutch hitting and solid defense. Lee always seemed to step up in big moments.

He built a reputation as a leader who made his teammates better through his work ethic. His spot in the lineup opened up opportunities for others, making the Heroes’ offense one of the most dangerous in the league.

By the time he left for MLB, Lee had already become one of the greatest KBO players of his era.

Transition to Major League Baseball

Jung Hoo Lee’s move from the KBO to Major League Baseball in late 2023 created a lot of buzz in the baseball world. He brought elite contact skills and top-notch defense to North America, making his signing one of the biggest for an Asian player in recent years.

Move to MLB: Posting Process

Lee’s journey to MLB started when the Kiwoom Heroes posted him in December 2023. Under the posting agreement between MLB and KBO, Lee had 30 days to negotiate with any MLB team.

At the time, Lee had built a strong resume—five straight Golden Gloves, a .340 career average, and a reputation as one of Korea’s top outfielders.

His posting drew plenty of interest. Teams looking for an outfield upgrade and a contact hitter, like the Giants, Yankees, and Padres, all reportedly made serious inquiries.

Signing with the San Francisco Giants

On December 15, 2023, Lee signed a six-year deal with the San Francisco Giants worth $113 million. The contract included a $5 million signing bonus and an opt-out after the fourth year, giving Lee some flexibility if he really takes off.

The Giants made a big bet on Lee, despite him never having played in MLB. At his introduction, Lee seemed genuinely excited to join such a storied franchise.

“I’m going to try to bring excitement to Oracle Park,” he said through an interpreter. The Giants saw him as their new center fielder, filling a need and adding a high-contact bat to the lineup.

Spring Training and MLB Debut

Lee showed up at spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona in February 2024 with a lot of eyes on him. The Giants coaches worked closely with him to help him get used to MLB pitching, which can be a different animal with its higher velocity and sharper breaking balls.

During camp, Lee flashed his trademark contact skills and started adjusting to the new style of play. His defense in center field looked just as smooth, but the Giants made sure not to overwork him as he got used to the longer MLB schedule.

He made his MLB debut on Opening Day 2024 against the San Diego Padres, becoming the 26th South Korean player to reach the majors. Early on, Lee showed promise as he navigated the usual adjustment period that comes with jumping from international ball to MLB.

Jung Hoo Lee’s Contract and Financial Overview

Jung Hoo Lee secured a major financial future when he signed with the Giants, landing one of the biggest deals ever for a player coming straight from the KBO.

Details of the $113MM Deal

Lee inked a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants in December 2023. The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus and guarantees his salary through the 2029 season.

Here’s how the salary breaks down:

• $7 million in 2024 (his rookie MLB year)
• $16 million in 2025
• $22 million in 2026
• $22 million in 2027
• Similar salaries for the remaining years

He also got an opt-out option after an unspecified season, so he can hit free agency again if he outperforms expectations.

The Giants paid a posting fee of $18.825 million to the Kiwoom Heroes, so their total outlay for Lee came to nearly $132 million.

Comparison to Other MLB Contracts

Lee’s $113 million deal makes him one of the top three earners on the Giants for the 2025 season, which is a big commitment for a player new to MLB.

It’s not quite in the stratosphere of $300+ million contracts like Mike Trout’s or Mookie Betts’s, but for an international newcomer, Lee’s deal is impressive. It even outpaces many contracts for established MLB outfielders.

For context, his average annual value of around $18.8 million puts him in the upper-middle tier among MLB outfielders. The contract reflects both his KBO dominance and the Giants’ high hopes for his MLB impact.

Factors Influencing Contract Value

A few key things pushed Lee’s contract so high:

KBO Performance: Lee won the 2022 KBO MVP and kept up a .340 career average, along with elite defense in center.

Age: He was only 25 when he signed, giving the Giants more of his prime years than most free agents who hit the market later.

Market Timing: He entered free agency as MLB teams started valuing international stars from Asian leagues more than ever.

Team Need: The Giants were hunting for outfield help and a contact bat, and Lee fit that need perfectly.

Because he signed so young, there’s a real chance the Giants get huge value if he performs anywhere close to his KBO numbers.

Impact, Notable Performances, and Legacy

Jung Hoo Lee has already made an impact in MLB, bringing his unique skillset from the KBO and making waves with the San Francisco Giants. His journey stands out for individual excellence and the way he’s helped connect baseball fans across continents.

Key MLB Games and Moments

Lee’s MLB journey has some pretty unforgettable moments that really built up his reputation. His debut season hinted at big things, but 2025? That’s when he really broke out.

In April 2025, he blasted three homers against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pushing the Giants to a huge division win. That game felt like a statement.

Then, during a series with the Philadelphia Phillies, Lee went wild—he racked up 11 hits in 16 at-bats and smashed six extra-base hits. You could see his contact skills at their best.

He also pulled off a highlight-reel catch against the Houston Astros, robbing Alex Bregman of what looked like a game-winning home run. That play alone had fans buzzing.

In May 2025, Lee faced the Atlanta Braves and came up clutch. He drove in the winning run with a bases-loaded double in the ninth inning.

Influence on Team Dynamics

Lee has shaken up the Giants’ clubhouse in the best way. His approach at the plate—super disciplined, always looking to make contact—gave the team a new kind of balance.

Teammates talk about Lee’s work ethic all the time. The way he prepares for games and batting practice? It’s rubbed off on the younger guys.

The Giants’ manager even reworked the lineup to fit Lee’s strengths, usually slotting him into the two-hole to use his knack for getting on base. That move boosted the team’s run production by nearly 15% over past seasons.

Lee’s steady defense in center field let the Giants shift their corner outfielders more aggressively. The whole outfield just feels tighter with him out there.

Relationship with International Players

Lee’s built some really strong bonds with other Asian players in MLB, especially Ha-Seong Kim from the Padres.

Whenever Lee and Kim face off, Asian baseball fans pay close attention. There’s just something about those matchups that draws a crowd.

Along with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Lee helps keep an informal support network going for Asian players in MLB.

Sometimes, when their teams play each other, they’ll grab dinner and swap stories or advice. It’s not an official thing, but it matters.

“Having other Korean players in the league made my transition much easier,” Lee said after a game. “We understand each other’s experiences.”

Lee also takes time to mentor younger international prospects in the Giants’ system.

His journey has definitely inspired more KBO players to chase MLB dreams.

When Lee plays against the Texas Rangers or Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB often promotes those games to international fans. Those matchups with other international players really stand out.