Winter meetings commenced on Monday, and the New York Yankees continue to finalize the list of targets. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cody Bellinger and Juan Soto still remain favorties. However, the possibility of rental pieces cannot be ruled out. Besides, the front office could sign an extension contract with a couple of arbitration-eligible players.
Having said that, Yankees Juan Soto’s pursuit remains in jeopardy after the negotiation talks with the San Diego Padres hit a stalemate. Under this unprecedented circumstance, the Bronx Bombers could be forced to look for alternatives. Amid the shortage of outfielders, a key Korean phenomenon could enter the market. Thus boosting the depth of the outfield market.
Jung Hoo Lee To Be Posted On Monday, Confirmed His KBO Team!
Jung Hoo Lee, currently playing for the Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO League, has established himself as one of the premier outfielders in South Korea. Known for his impressive bat speed, defensive prowess, and base-running ability, Lee has garnered attention from MLB teams seeking to enhance their outfield depth and offensive capabilities. Amid off-season buzz, Yonhap News Agency’s Jeeho Yoo reported that Lee is set to enter the MLB market by Monday. Kiwoom Heroes apparently confirmed the news to the agency. Having said that, the posting of Hoo Lee to free agency marks a crucial step in his potential transition to MLB. His 30-day negotiation window will start from Tuesday itself.
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets were listed as top suitors by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The Bronx Bombers stand a strong chance of landing the Korean phenomenon. If Juan Soto’s trade pursuit falls apart, Lee remains a perfect like-for-like replacement. While his hard-hitting rate is not that great, the outfielder’s elite hand-eye coordination makes him stand apart. His ability to contribute as a contact hitter and cover ground in the outfield makes him an intriguing prospect. Moreover, with Aaron Judge looking for a switch in approach, Lee emerges as the perfect candidate. He would only enhance the hitting production in the long term. While the Yanks remain the top suitor, strong competition from the Giants cannot be ruled out. Overall, Hoo Lee’s pursuit looks promising for fans as their excitement reaches its peak.
Where Do Yankees Stand On Juan Soto’s Dream Pursuit?
Before the New York Yankees even consider Jung Hoo Lee, they will try to secure Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade deal. The generational star could be rental. But the desperate Bronx Bombers do not seem to care. They want him in their fold in 2024. However, the San Diego Padres continue to play spoilsport. In a bid to fetch a high price, the Padres stalled the negotiations talks with ridiculous demand.
Rumor has it that the Padres have asked for seven players in exchange for Juan Soto, including Michael King and prospect Drew Thorpe. Needless to say, the Yankees weren’t going to approve the steep ask in exchange for one year of Soto’s services. However, Brendan Kuty still believes the two sides will engage again this week during winter meetings and try to find a middle ground.
