ethernetacademy.net“Two-hitter” Shohei Ohtani is the most sought-after player in this year’s free agency market. KBO star Lee Jung-hoo is also in the spotlight.
On March 3 (KST), American media outlet CBS Sports ranked the players who should sign new contracts as free agents. Here are the top 50.
No. 1 is Ohtani. In his major league career, Ohtani is 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA in 86 games (481⅔ innings) as a pitcher and 701 games as a hitter, batting .274 with 171 home runs, 437 RBIs and a .922 OPS in 2,483 at-bats (681 hits). He’s one of the most sought-after players on the free agent market this year, although an elbow injury that prevented him from finishing the season dented his rating a bit.
As a pitcher, Ohtani appeared in 23 regular-season games (132 innings) this year, going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA. As a hitter, in 135 games (497 at-bats, 151 hits), he batted .305 with 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a 1.066 OPS. He led the American League in home runs even if he didn’t make it to the end.
“Ohtani won’t pitch next year after elbow surgery, but he’s expected to be in a team’s lineup on Opening Day as a designated hitter,” the outlet said. “Ohtani is expected to return to the mound in 2025,” the outlet added.
His price tag could be as high as $600 million ($813.9 million), according to the report. “Ohtani is certain to earn a record-breaking salary,” the outlet noted.
Lee Jung-hoo, who has established himself as one of the best hitters in the KBO with the Kiwoom Heroes, was ranked 15th on the list. Lee has his sights set on the major leagues.
The San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels are among the teams that could be a good fit, according to the publication. “Lee ended his season in July with a fractured ankle (left). Although he was no longer able to audition for major league scouts, he is considered an above-average runner and defender. He has shown significant contact ability.” 보스토토 주소
The Athletic’s Zach Britton projected a four-year, $56 million contract, excluding posting fees, for Lee, who is preparing for the big leagues through the posting system.
The Major League Baseball World Series ended on Sunday when the Texas Rangers swept the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0. Texas won the World Series for the first time with a Game 5 victory. The offseason is upon us, and it’s a time of player movement. It will be interesting to see where Japan’s top star Ohtani and KBO star Lee Jung-hoo will play next season.