Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jung-hoo Lee

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jung-hoo Lee made an impact.

Jung-hoo Lee is a South Korean professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the San Francisco Giants in MLB. Prior to joining the Giants, he played in the KBO League for the Kiwoom Heroes. He is a highly regarded player known for his hitting ability.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: KBO League Draft

In 2016, Jung-hoo Lee was selected by the Nexen Heroes in the KBO League draft as an infielder.

2016: U-18 Baseball World Cup

In 2016, Jung-hoo Lee's first appearance on the international stage was at the U-18 Baseball World Cup where South Korea won the tournament.

2017: KBO Debut and Rookie Record

In 2017, Jung-hoo Lee debuted in the KBO League with the Nexen Heroes and set a new rookie record for hits with 179. He was also included on the team's Opening Day roster at age 18 and became the first rookie out of high school to appear in every game for a KBO team.

2017: Asia Professional Baseball Championship

In 2017, Jung-hoo Lee represented the national team in the Asia Professional Baseball Championship, where South Korea placed 2nd overall.

2017: KBO League Rookie of the Year Award

In 2017, Jung-hoo Lee won the KBO League Rookie of the Year Award, marking a significant achievement early in his career.

2018: Lee's Batting Average

In 2018, Jung-hoo Lee had a batting average of .355/.412/.477.

2018: Golden Glove Award

In 2018, Jung-hoo Lee won the first of five consecutive Golden Glove Awards, recognizing his defensive excellence in the KBO League.

2018: Asian Games Winning RBI

In the 2018 Asian Games, Jung-hoo Lee delivered the winning RBI against Taiwan.

2019: WBSC Premier12 Tournament

In 2019, Jung-hoo Lee played for Team Korea at the WBSC Premier12 tournament and led the tournament with five doubles.

2019: Series MVP in the playoffs

In 2019, Jung-hoo Lee won series MVP in the playoffs, marking a significant achievement.

2020: Summer Olympics

In 2020, Jung-hoo Lee represented South Korea at the Summer Olympics, showcasing his talent on an international stage.

2020: Golden Glove Award

In 2020, Jung-hoo Lee won another Golden Glove Award with a batting line of .333, 15 home runs, 101 RBIs, and a career-high OPS of .921.

2021: Successful Season and Cycle Hit

In the 2021 season, Jung-hoo Lee batted .360/.438/.522. On October 25, 2021, at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park, Lee achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle against the Samsung Lions.

2022: KBO League MVP Award

In 2022, Jung-hoo Lee played in 142 games and hit .349/.421/.575 with 23 home runs and 113 RBIs. After the season, he won the KBO League Most Valuable Player Award.

2022: KBO League Most Valuable Player Award

In 2022, Jung-hoo Lee was awarded the KBO League Most Valuable Player Award, recognizing his outstanding performance throughout the season.

July 25, 2023: Season-Ending Surgery Announcement

On July 25, 2023, it was announced that Jung-hoo Lee would undergo season–ending surgery after suffering a fractured ankle.

December 14, 2023: Signing with the San Francisco Giants

On December 14, 2023, Jung-hoo Lee signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. The Giants also paid a posting fee to the Kiwoom Heroes.