Lee Jung-hoo (26, San Francisco Giants) is expected to return in time for the opening game of the 2025 season.

Blitzer Report predicted Monday (Korea time) that 30 Major League teams will start their lineup for the opening game of the 2025 season. Lee Jung-hoo has become the No. 1 center fielder. San Francisco aims to beef up its capability in the 2024-2025 FA market under the new president Buster Posey. It will also stage a race to recruit Juan Soto (26).안전놀이터

Blitzer Report predicted San Francisco's starting lineup for next year's opening game will be Lee Jung-hoo (center fielder), Mike Yastzemski (right fielder), Willie Adames (striker), Matt Chapman (third baseman), Eliot Ramos (left fielder), Carlos Santana (first baseman), Ramonte Wade Jr. (designated hitter), Tyler Fitzgerald (second baseman) and Patrick Bailey (catcher). The starting pitcher is Logan Webb.

The biggest changes were Lee Jung-hoo, Adames and Santana. While playing defense at the top of the first inning of a home game against the Cincinnati Reds on May 13, Lee hurt his joints by hitting his right shoulder hard against the central fence. He just ended the season. He underwent surgery in June and is currently rehabilitating for six months.

As rehabilitation period is not long, preparation for next year's opening game will be okay. He will also likely be able to join the spring camp in February. San Francisco is a representative team that needs to beef up its offense power extensively. The basic task is for Lee to return to normal.

On top of that, he expects to recruit Adames, the biggest shortstop in the FA, as he vowed to reinforce the central infield. In fact, even among local media, big fish in the FA are expected to find their destinations differently. In the case of Adames, Dodgers and San Francisco are the only two teams. If Adames joins the San Francisco Giants, Lee Jung-hoo will play defense while looking at Adames' backside in his return match.

In addition, the prospect of reinforcing veteran first baseman Santana is also notable. If San Francisco actually recruits Adames and Santana this winter, its batting power is expected to improve. It is also notable that Ramos, who took over when Lee Jung-hoo was not present, will move to left field. The full-time soft landing of Lee Jung-hoo and Ramos is also very important.

Blitzer Report said, "Will the new Giants' front office led by Forge be able to recruit top-notch free agents? It was a great first step to catch Chapman. It will be very helpful to recruit Adames to strengthen the left infield."

Finally, Bleacher Report said, "Fitz-Gerald's idea of targeting shortstop seems to overlap, but he is a major candidate whose performance will regress. BABIP of 0.380 would not be sustainable, and he was below average at shortstop." He did not make any comment on Lee.