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 notable figure in professional baseball, transitioning from the KBO to MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1993: Lee Jong-beom's Korean Series MVP

In 1993, Lee's father, Lee Jong-beom, won the MVP award in the Korean Series with a .310 batting average and three steals.

2016: U-18 Baseball World Cup Win

In 2016, Lee made his first appearance on the international stage at the U-18 Baseball World Cup, where South Korea won the tournament.

2016: KBO League Draft

In 2016, the Nexen Heroes selected Jung-hoo Lee in the KBO League draft as an infielder, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

2017: KBO Debut and Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Jung-hoo Lee made his KBO League debut with the Nexen Heroes, making the Opening Day roster at age 18. He set a rookie record for hits and was voted KBO League Rookie of the Year Award.

2017: KBO League Rookie of the Year Award

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

2017: Asia Professional Baseball Championship

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

2018: Golden Glove Award

In 2018, Jung-hoo Lee won a Golden Glove Award, the first of five consecutive wins, recognizing his defensive skills as an outfielder.

2018: Batting Performance

In 2018, Lee showcased his batting skills with a .355/.412/.477 batting line.

2018: Asian Games Winning RBI

In the 2018 Asian Games, Lee delivered the winning RBI against Taiwan on November 17.

2019: WBSC Premier12

In 2019, Jung-hoo Lee played for the South Korea national baseball team at the WBSC Premier12 tournament, representing his country on the international stage.

2019: Playoffs MVP and Postseason Achievement

In 2019, Lee won the series MVP in the playoffs. His father, Lee Jong-beom, previously won the MVP award in the 1993 Korean Series.

2020: Summer Olympics

In 2020, Jung-hoo Lee represented South Korea at the Summer Olympics, participating in the prestigious international sporting event.

2020: Golden Glove Award and Batting Line

In 2020, 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 Hitting for the Cycle

In the 2021 season, Lee batted .360/.438/.522. On October 25, 2021, at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park, Lee hit for the cycle against the Samsung Lions.

2022: KBO League Most Valuable Player Award

In 2022, Jung-hoo Lee won the KBO League Most Valuable Player Award, recognizing his outstanding performance in the league.

2022: KBO League MVP Award

In the 2022 season, 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.

July 25, 2023: Season-Ending Surgery Announcement

On July 25, 2023, it was announced that Lee would undergo season–ending surgery after suffering a fractured ankle. In 2023, Lee played in 85 games for Kiwoom, and hit .319/.407/.456 with six home runs and 45 RBIs.

December 14, 2023: Signing with the San Francisco Giants

On December 14, 2023, Lee signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Jung-hoo Lee played for the South Korea national baseball team at the World Baseball Classic, contributing to his country's efforts in the global tournament.

March 30, 2024: First MLB Home Run

On March 30, 2024, Lee hit his first home run in MLB against the San Diego Padres. Family members, including his father, were in attendance to witness the event.