“Jung-Hoo Lee, an intriguing option for Peddy, could be part of the starting rotation”
Major League Baseball (MLB) has set its sights on 25-year-old Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes) as a player who could dominate the big leagues next year. Eric Pedi (30-NC Dinos), who is one of the best pitchers in the KBO, is also being eyed.
MLB.com, the official website of MLB, published an article titled “KBO and NPB Stars You’ll See in MLB Soon” on March 3 (local time), covering players from Korea and Japan who are trying to break into the big leagues.
Lee Jung-hoo was the second player featured after Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Orix Buffaloes) of Japan.
“Given the relative dearth of top hitters available in free agency this offseason, Lee is an intriguing option,” MLBcom noted. However, “the timing may not be right for Lee to make the jump (to the big leagues),” the site added, noting that Lee played in just 86 games this season due to a fractured left ankle in the middle of the season, posting an OPS of .860.
Since turning pro in 2017, Lee has played 884 games in the KBO, batting .340 with 1,081 hits, 65 home runs, 515 RBI, 581 runs scored and 69 stolen bases. He also ranks first on the all-time batting average list, thanks to his ability to make great contact.
Lee will be knocking on MLB’s door this winter through the posting system.
“The St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants are among the teams expected to add an impact outfielder this offseason,” according to MLB.com.
Two players in the KBO were mentioned alongside Lee, including Pedi.
Pedi made his KBO debut in an NC uniform this year, posting a dazzling 20-6 record with a 2.00 ERA in 30 games. He won the pitcher’s triple crown of wins, ERA, and strikeouts (209), setting a new record for the most wins (20) and strikeouts (200) in a single season.
The media pointed to Merrill Kelly (Arizona Diamondbacks), who used the KBO as a springboard to the MLB. “Kelly, who came up in the KBO and returned to the U.S., was a key component of Arizona’s run to the National League championship,” the publication wrote, “and the industry believes Peddie can make a successful transition to the MLB and become an integral part of the starting rotation.”
Peddy, who pitched for the Washington Nationals from 2017 to last year, is 21-33 with a 5.41 ERA in 102 career major league games.
Shota Imanaga (Yokohama BayStars), Yariel Rodriguez (Junichi Dragons), and Yuki Matsui (Rakuten Golden Eagles) were also introduced. 스포츠토토맨
