The New York Mets are expected to focus on signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 25, in the 2023-2024 offseason. They have taken a step back in their pursuit of top free agent Shohei Ohtani (29). After the departures of Justin Verlander (Houston Astros) and Max Scherzer (Texas Rangers), it is important to bolster the starting staff.
However, USA Today’s Bob Nightingale previewed the Winter Meetings on Thursday, writing, “The Mets have ‘strong interest’ in Lee Jeong-hoo. It’s clear they’re taking a hard look at the international market as a way to add talent to their roster.”굿모닝토토 주소
The Mets already have Senga Kodai, who signed a five-year, $75 million deal. “The international market is not a new direction for the Mets. Considering Senga’s success in his first season, the signing was a wise investment. Adding Shota Lee, Yamamoto, or Imanaga would be interesting long-term upgrades.”
MLBTradeRumors summarized the Lee signing as a four-way battle between the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Mets. They also predicted a five-year, $50 million deal in an earlier article and ranked him 15th in free agency.
Of course, MLB Trade Rumors pointed out the issue of KBO players’ adaptation to the major leagues. Lee Jung-hoo is no exception. “We are concerned about the future of Lee’s defense and whether he can generate enough power to be a true top-of-the-order hitter in the majors.”
Kiwoom plays against Samsung during the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League’ at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on October 10, 2023. Kiwoom’s Lee Jung-hoo high-fives his teammates on the mound after the game./MyDaily
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Lee can play left field for the Mets right away, and could also play center field if they move Brandon Nimmo to left field. He’s cheaper than Cody Bellinger and less complicated to acquire than Juan Soto (San Diego Padres), who would require a counteroffer. This is why there is widespread interest in Lee.