Lee Jung-hoo (25, Kiwoom Heroes)바카라사이트 was mentioned as a candidate for the center fielder for the New York Yankees next season.
On the 27th (hereinafter referred to as Korean time), the US ‘New York Post’ selected Lee Jung-hoo as one of the candidates for center fielder that the Yankees will recruit next year as it is uncertain whether to renew the contract with Harrison Bader, the main center fielder who will become a free agent at the end of this season.
Bader, who made his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017, won the National League Outfielder Gold Glove in 2021. In August of last year, he wore a Yankees uniform as a trade, and in 81 games this season, he recorded an OPS of .651 with 7 home runs, 37 RBIs and 16 stolen bases with a batting average of .243 (68 hits in 280 at-bats) in 81 games.
The New York Post said, ‘Bader, who becomes a free agent after the season, has consistently demonstrated his presence in the center field when he is healthy to match his defensive reputation. But with multiple injuries and inconsistent offensive production, it’s questionable whether the Yankees will invest money to bring him back next year.”
Vader has been unable to play full-time since 2021 due to various injuries, including ribs, soles, obliques and hamstrings. “I’d love to come back to the Yankees next year, but otherwise, I can’t help it,” Vader said. I just use this moment wearing this uniform as an opportunity,” he said.
The New York Post said, ‘If the Yankees do not re-sign Bader, there are not many alternatives in the free agent market. Cody Bellinger, who revived from the Chicago Cubs this season, is expected to be the biggest player, and there is a possibility of signing Korean star Lee Jung-hoo, and veteran Kevin Kiermeyer (Toronto Blue Jays) and Michael A. Taylor (Minnesota Twins) with excellent defense.’ forecasted
Among inside outfield prospects, Eveson Pereira and Jason Dominguez were mentioned as alternatives. However, Dominguez is 20 years old and has just arrived at the Triple A level, and Pereira, who was called up to the big leagues on the 23rd, is a left fielder.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, “Pereira played in all three positions in the outfield and showed his ability in all positions. His athleticism is excellent, and he has the ability to throw. He hasn’t completely ruled out the center field position, but he will play corner outfield in the long run.”
The Yankees, who suffered 9 straight losses in 41 years since 1982, from the Miami Marlins match on the 13th to the Washington Nationals match on the 23rd, are 62-68 and are in fifth place in the Eastern Division of the American League (AL). The postseason is far away, and the last place in the district for the first time in 33 years since 1990 is likely.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who has been leading the team as the head of the front for 26 years, also said, “This season is a disaster. It is embarrassing and disappointing.” With both general manager Cashman and manager Boone unclear where they will go, next year they will have to achieve results somehow. This is not the time to nurture prospects through rebuilding. In a situation where it was necessary to immediately reinforce the power, the center fielder seat was vacant, and Lee Jung-hoo began to emerge as a strong candidate team to jump into the recruitment process.