(VIDEO) Lee Jung-Hoo Blasts Second Spring Training Home Run, Caps Strong Tuneup Ahead of 2026 MLB Season

San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo launched his second home run of spring training Wednesday, delivering a three-run shot in an exhibition game that further boosted expectations for the 27-year-old South Korean star heading into the 2026 regular season.

The blast came against a New York Yankees pitcher in the latest tuneup contest, capping a red-hot exhibition stretch for Lee as the Giants prepare for Opening Day. Lee, who shifted from center field to right field this spring following the addition of Harrison Bader, went deep for the second time in recent exhibition play while continuing to show consistent contact and power at the plate.

Manager Bob Melvin praised Lee’s approach after the game, noting the outfielder’s ability to drive the ball to all fields and his smooth transition to the corner outfield spot. “He’s been locked in since coming back from the World Baseball Classic,” Melvin said. “The bat speed is there, the confidence is building, and he’s giving us exactly what we hoped when we signed him.”

Lee signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants before the 2024 season, bringing high expectations as one of the top hitters from South Korea’s KBO League. After a solid but injury-interrupted rookie year and a more challenging 2025 campaign marked by defensive adjustments and modest power output, the 2026 spring has offered encouraging signs of a rebound.

In limited exhibition action, Lee has posted a batting average well above .400 with multiple extra-base hits, including the pair of home runs. The latest three-run homer extended a strong run that included a solo shot in the final game against the Cleveland Guardians on March 22, where he went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. That performance helped the Giants secure a 10-7 victory and closed out spring training on a high note.

The Giants have been pleased with Lee’s overall preparation. After captaining South Korea at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he contributed key hits and defensive plays despite the team’s quarterfinal exit, Lee returned to camp focused and productive. He has avoided strikeouts in several outings and shown improved plate discipline, drawing walks while punishing mistakes from opposing pitchers.

Defensively, the move to right field appears to suit Lee’s strong arm and athleticism. Previously graded below average in center field during 2025, Lee has adapted quickly to the new position, with the Giants citing Oracle Park’s dimensions and the need for better overall outfield balance. Bader, a former Gold Glove winner, is expected to handle center, allowing Lee to focus on his bat while still contributing with his glove.

As the Giants open the 2026 season Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park, Lee is projected to bat near the top of the order and see regular playing time in right field. The club views him as a key piece in a lineup that includes veterans and young talent aiming to contend in the National League West.

Lee’s journey from KBO stardom with the Kiwoom Heroes to Major League Baseball has been closely followed in South Korea, where he remains a national figure nicknamed the “Grandson of the Wind” for his speed and graceful style. Fans back home have celebrated his recent home runs, with Korean media highlighting the power display as a positive indicator after some critics questioned his power translation to MLB.

In 2025, Lee batted around .266 with eight home runs in a full season, showing contact skills but falling short of the 20-plus homer potential some projected upon his arrival. Injuries and adjustment to American pitching contributed to the modest output, but this spring’s results — including the back-to-back exhibition homers — suggest improved timing and strength.

Giants general manager Zack Minasian has expressed confidence in Lee’s development. “He’s a professional hitter with elite bat-to-ball skills,” Minasian said earlier in camp. “We’re seeing the power emerge more consistently now, and the work he’s put in defensively shows his commitment to helping the team win.”

The 2026 season brings new dynamics for Lee and the Giants. With a full healthy camp and the positional shift, expectations have risen for the outfielder to post career-best numbers in hits, extra-base production and on-base percentage. Analysts project him as a potential .280-.300 hitter with double-digit homers and solid run production if he stays healthy over 150-plus games.

Teammates have taken notice of Lee’s work ethic. Veterans have commended his preparation and positive attitude, especially during the transition to right field. Lee himself has downplayed individual stats, emphasizing team goals and enjoyment of the game.

“Every day I try to get better and help the team,” Lee said through an interpreter after one recent game. “The home runs feel good, but winning is what matters most.”

As spring training concludes, the Giants appear optimistic about their outfield and overall roster. Lee’s hot streak provides a timely boost heading into a competitive division that includes the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers and other strong contenders.

For Lee, the second exhibition home run serves as another building block. Whether it translates into sustained success in the regular season remains to be seen, but the early signs point to a motivated player ready to make his mark in year three of his MLB journey.

The Giants open the season with high hopes, and Lee Jung-hoo’s recent power display has fans and analysts alike eager to see what the South Korean star can deliver once the games begin to count.