The physical examination is virtually the final step in entering the MLB.
Lee Jung-hoo agrees to join San Francisco
Lee Jeong-hoo (25) undergoes a physical examination, which is virtually the final procedure for joining the American professional baseball major league.
The San Francisco Chronicle, a local newspaper in San Francisco, USA, reported on the 14th (Korean time), “Lee Jung-hoo will undergo a physical examination on Thursday (the 15th, Korean time),” and “Lee Jung-hoo suffered an ankle injury in the first half of this year and underwent surgery, and will miss the season.” There was only one at-bat before the end. ‘Carlos Correa contract canceled' “San Francisco, which experienced the incident, has no choice but to carefully monitor Lee Jeong-hoo’s physical condition,” he said.
On the 13th, local American media such as MLB.com, New York Post, and The Athletic reported, “Lee Jung-hoo agreed to join San Francisco for 6 years and $113 million. “The contract included an opt-out clause (contract terminated by agreement between the club and the player) after four years,” he said.
Multiple American media outlets published articles introducing Lee Jeong-hoo.
In addition to his skills such as sophistication, excellent pitching plan, and above-average defense ability, which resulted in a career batting average of 0.340, which is the highest among batters with more than 3,000 at-bats in Korean professional baseball, Lee Jeong-hoo's father is Lee Jong-beom, a Korean baseball legend. His father's nickname was “Son of the Wind,” and his son Lee Jeong-hoo earned the charming nickname “Grandson of the Wind,” and even introduced his personal details.
However, the San Francisco team did not make an official response regarding the recruitment of Lee Jung-hoo. Lee Jeong-hoo's side was also cautious, saying, “There is nothing we can disclose until the club makes an announcement.”
This is because an official contract becomes effective only after passing a physical examination.
Even players who have already established themselves in the major leagues undergo a physical examination when changing teams, such as through free agent (FA) contracts.
San Francisco signed a large contract worth a total of $350 million over 13 years with top shortstop Carlos Correa in December 2022. However, after the physical examination, an abnormality was detected between the club and Correa, and the contract ultimately fell through.
Afterwards, Correa's negotiations with the New York Mets broke down due to a physical exam issue, and he signed a six-year, $200 million contract with the Minnesota Twins.
American source, “Lee Jung-hoo agrees to join San Francisco for 6 years and 148.4 billion won.”
Lee Jeong-hoo, who played for Kiwoom Heroes this year, felt ankle pain during a visiting game against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Stadium in Busan on July 22, and soon underwent surgery to repair the extensor zone, the membrane that surrounds the left ankle tendon.
After completing rehabilitation, Lee Jeong-hoo appeared at bat once in the Gocheok Samsung Lions game on October 10 and said goodbye to Kiwoom fans.
At the time, San Francisco general manager Pete Purteler was in the stands at Gocheok Dome.
General Manager Purteller applauded Lee Jung-hoo along with Kiwoom fans.
Starting his professional career in 2017, he played in 884 games until this year, recording a batting average of 0.340, 65 home runs, 515 RBI, 69 stolen bases, and OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.898.
This season, he only played in 86 games due to an ankle injury. His 2023 performance is a batting average of 0.318, 6 home runs, and 45 RBI.
The San Francisco club remembered Lee Jeong-hoo's appearance before his injury and offered him a very large contract.
Lee Jeong-hoo also presented data proving that he had completely recovered from his injury.
San Francisco goes through the final verification process.
If he passes the physical examination, San Francisco will officially announce the recruitment of Lee Jung-hoo. 19가이드03
