Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) and Lee Jung-hoo (25, San Francisco Giants), who played together in the KBO's KIUM Heroes, will meet as enemies in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB), where they will face each other 14 times in the National League (NL) West next year.

Lee Jung-hoo held his induction ceremony and press conference at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, USA, on the 16th (KST). The six-year, $113 million contract was officially announced after he passed his physical the day before, and he wore a San Francisco jersey with the number 51 on it and a hat to greet fans for the first time.

Lee's press conference lasted about 33 minutes. The questions from the local reporters were endless, and the topic of Kim Hae-sung was not left out. Lee played alongside Kim for four years with the Heroes, from his debut in 2017 to 2020. Despite being three years Tull's junior, they developed a close bond on and off the field.

Kim paved the way for Lee in 2021 when he reached the major leagues first. After a rough first year, he became a regular starter in his second year, and this year he won the NL Gold Glove for utility. He had a breakout season with his bat, and it had a positive impact on Lee, who was about to make the jump to the big leagues. Although they play different positions, they are both in the same age group in the KBO and have been compared to Kim Ha-seong, and both have earned big contracts beyond expectations.

Kim Ha-seong's advice to Lee, who experienced the major leagues firsthand, seems to have had an impact not only on baseball but also on his contract. When asked about Lee Jung-hoo's contract at a press conference to celebrate his Gold Glove award in Seoul last month, Kim said, "I don't think there's any point in having a minor league veto. It's better to have an opt-out clause in the contract." Lee actually had an opt-out clause after four years of his six-year contract. It's a player-friendly contract that leaves open the possibility of free agency after four years.

Kim Hae-sung's name was also mentioned at Lee's press conference in San Francisco. "We played together as teammates in Korea," Lee said of the time he met Kim as an enemy. He was my older brother who became my mental support. He always gave me good words since I was in Korea, so I was able to grow my dreams so much." "I'm excited to play head-to-head after playing together. I think I'll have to ask him a lot of questions in the future."Kim's team, San Diego, was also interested in Lee, and he was considered a potential signing, but was unable to meet San Francisco's terms. Although Lee and Kim ended up on different teams, they are now fellow Korean big leaguers who can help each other. 카지노사이트가이드 

After Lee's move to San Francisco was confirmed, Kim also reached out to congratulate him. "When Ha Sung-hyung heard the news, he said he was really happy for me. The first thing he said to me was, 'I'm really happy that I'm going to play baseball under a good manager,'" Lee said, adding that they talked about manager Bob Melvin. Melvin left San Diego to become the new manager of San Francisco last month.

A three-time manager of the year, Melvin is a 20-year veteran of the major leagues. He led San Diego for the last two years, giving Kim a chance and pushing him forward. Last year, he made Kim the starting shortstop during Fernando Tatis Jr.'s injury absence. This year, he moved to second base and used him as an all-around center fielder, unlocking his batting potential.

Melvin, who has a mild personality and excellent communication skills, is highly trusted by his players. He is a veteran manager who has been coaching for 20 years and is recognized for his leadership. He believes in "baseball of faith" and gives his players a chance once in a while. The presence of Melvin, who watched Kim's success from the sidelines, is expected to be a big boost for Lee Jung-hoo in his new endeavor.