San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo kept his early spring momentum rolling on Wednesday, delivering another steady performance as he extended his hitting streak to three consecutive games. In a 4–1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, Lee not only continued to make consistent contact at the plate but also collected his first run batted in of the exhibition schedule, offering another encouraging sign as preparations intensify for the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
The 27-year-old was penciled in as the starting center fielder and occupied the leadoff spot in the batting order for the matchup, which took place at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Facing Angels pitching, Lee finished the afternoon 1-for-3, driving in a run and once again demonstrating the contact-oriented approach that has defined much of his professional career.
After beginning his first two spring appearances in right field, Lee returned to his natural defensive home in center field for this contest. The shift back to center highlighted the ongoing evaluation process taking place within the Giants’ coaching staff, as they continue to determine how best to deploy their outfield pieces heading into the regular season.
Through three exhibition games, Lee has compiled a 3-for-9 line at the plate, good for a .333 batting average. In addition to his RBI, he has crossed the plate three times, showcasing both his ability to reach base and his potential value near the top of the lineup.
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Lee’s afternoon began with a fly ball to center field in his first plate appearance. Though he was retired, the swing reflected his willingness to attack early-count pitches and put the ball in play. His most significant contribution came in the second inning.
With two outs and runners positioned at first and third in a scoreless contest, Lee stepped in with an opportunity to spark the offense. He responded by lining a clean single into left field, easily scoring the runner from third base and giving the Giants an early advantage. The situational hit underscored his knack for delivering in key moments, even within the relatively low-pressure environment of spring training.
In his third trip to the plate during the fifth inning, Lee grounded out to the shortstop. Shortly thereafter, he exited the game prior to the bottom of the sixth inning, as is customary in preseason contests when starters are gradually building stamina rather than playing full games. While his stat line may not appear overwhelming at first glance, the quality of his at-bats and the consistency of his contact have stood out through the opening stretch of exhibition play.
The 2026 campaign will represent Lee’s third season in Major League Baseball since signing a six-year, $113 million contract with San Francisco ahead of the 2024 season. His arrival generated significant excitement, both within the organization and among fans eager to see how his decorated career overseas would translate to the highest level of American professional baseball.
However, Lee’s first two MLB seasons have presented a mixture of promise and adversity. His debut year in 2024 was interrupted by injuries that limited him to just 37 games, preventing him from establishing consistent rhythm or fully showcasing his skill set over a prolonged stretch.
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The following season offered more durability, but his offensive production — highlighted by a .266 batting average — fell short of the lofty expectations that accompanied his signing. While .266 is a respectable figure by many standards, the organization and fanbase alike had envisioned a more impactful statistical line from a player viewed as a cornerstone addition.
As the Giants look ahead, there remains some uncertainty about how Lee will fit defensively and offensively within the broader roster framework. During the offseason, the club added accomplished center fielder Harrison Bader, the 2021 Gold Glove Award recipient.
Bader’s defensive prowess in center field introduces new possibilities — and questions — regarding outfield alignment. Should Bader claim the majority of innings in center due to his elite glove work, Lee could shift more permanently to right field. Conversely, the Giants may opt for a rotational approach, leveraging both players’ strengths depending on matchups and game situations.
The coaching staff has also experimented with Lee’s placement in the batting order throughout the early stages of spring training. In three games, he has been slotted sixth, fourth, and first, illustrating the team’s willingness to explore different lineup constructions.
Batting leadoff accentuates his contact skills and ability to set the tone, while hitting in the middle of the order suggests confidence in his run-producing potential. This ongoing experimentation signals that the Giants are still evaluating how best to maximize his offensive contributions within a lineup that seeks greater versatility and dynamism.
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According to reporting from The Athletic, pairing Lee with second baseman Luis Arraez could create intriguing strategic possibilities for San Francisco’s offense. Arraez is widely regarded as one of the premier contact hitters in the game, and the combination of two bat-to-ball specialists at or near the top of the lineup could enable the Giants to adopt a more creative, aggressive, and multifaceted offensive approach. The idea centers on consistent pressure: frequent baserunners, hit-and-run scenarios, and lineup flexibility that keeps opposing pitchers off balance.
For Lee, refining his role this spring carries implications beyond the Giants’ clubhouse. His performance is also being closely monitored in the context of international competition. As a key figure for South Korea’s national team, Lee is expected to assume a prominent role in both the lineup and the outfield for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
His experience in Major League Baseball, combined with his prior success at the international level, positions him as a likely leader within the Korean roster. Strong showings in spring training could bolster confidence not only within his MLB organization but also among teammates and supporters anticipating his impact on the global stage.
Elsewhere on the spring training circuit, another Korean infielder is carving out his own path. San Diego Padres newcomer Song Sung-mun, who is preparing for his MLB debut, received the start at third base and batted cleanup in a narrow 6–5 defeat against the Chicago Cubs.
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After making his first preseason appearance as a pinch hitter the day before, Song earned his initial start of the spring and recorded his first time reaching base in exhibition play. He finished 0-for-2 but drew a walk, demonstrating patience at the plate as he continues to adjust to big-league competition.
Song’s progression mirrors, in some ways, the journey Lee undertook two years earlier — transitioning to MLB, navigating expectations, and striving to secure a consistent role. For both players, spring training serves as a proving ground, a space to establish trust with coaching staffs and adapt to the pace and precision of Major League pitching.
As the exhibition schedule unfolds, Lee’s early production offers reason for optimism. While spring statistics rarely tell the full story, they can provide insight into a player’s rhythm, health, and confidence. Lee’s ability to string together quality at-bats, drive in a timely run, and capably handle center field responsibilities suggests he is entering the 2026 season with renewed focus.
Ultimately, the Giants’ long-term investment in Lee reflects their belief in his well-rounded skill set — contact hitting, speed, defensive versatility, and baseball intelligence. The coming weeks will likely bring continued experimentation with defensive alignments and lineup configurations. Yet if his current trajectory persists, Lee appears poised to play a central role in San Francisco’s plans, both as a catalyst at the top of the order and as a steady presence in the outfield.
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