Lee Jung-hoo of the Kiwoom Heroes is set to make his debut in Major League Baseball.
The 25-year-old outfielder has agreed to a six-year, US$113 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, according to local media. The contract reportedly includes an opt-out clause, allowing him to terminate the contract after playing four seasons and explore new opportunities.
The official announcement from the Giants is yet to come.
Previously, KT Wiz infielder Hwang Jae-gyun briefly wore a Giants uniform playing 18 games in 2017.
The deal is bigger than any other package that a Korean player struck for his MLB debut. Pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin signed a six-year, $36 million deal when he moved from the Hanwha Eagles to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 and shortstop Kim Ha-seong a four-year, $28 million deal when he joined the San Diego Padres from the Kiwoom Heroes.
In terms of total contract value for Korean MLB players, Choo Shin-Soo, who currently plays for the SSG Landers, holds the record with $130 million for a seven-year deal with the Texas Rangers in 2013.
But in terms of average annual salary, Ryu's deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 still tops the list with $80 million for a four-year deal or $20 million a year. Lee's average salary is reportedly to be $18.83 million, but the annual breakdown is yet to be disclosed.
Lee played his final game in a Kiwoom uniform here on Oct. 10, and Giants president Farhan Zaidi watched the game, which was read as a strong indication of his team's interest in him.
