Lee Jeong-hoo and Peddie, players we will soon see in the Major League”
Lee Jeong-hoo (25, Kiwoom Heroes), the best hitter in the KBO League, and foreign pitcher Eric Peddy (30, NC Dinos), who won three awards as a pitcher this year (multiple wins, ERA, and strikeouts), are receiving a lot of attention from the major league.
On the 4th (Korean time), MLB.com, the official website of the Major League Baseball, introduced Jeong-hoo Lee and Peddy in an article titled 'KBO and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Stars to Be Seen in the Major League Soon.' MLB.com said, “There is a relative lack of top hitters who can be recruited as free agents this offseason. Considering this, Lee Jung-hoo is an interesting option.”
Lee Jeong-hoo, who debuted in 2017, left behind outstanding performances with a batting average of 0.340, 65 home runs, 515 RBIs, and 581 runs in 884 games over the course of seven seasons until this year. His career batting average is also the highest in KBO League history.
Based on this performance, Lee Jeong-hoo will challenge the major league this winter. He knocks on the door of the big leagues through the posting system (private competitive bidding). MLB.com also hinted at Lee Jung-hoo's destination, saying, "The San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Yankees are clubs expected to recruit influential outfielders this offseason."
Peddie posted amazing results of 20 wins, 6 losses, an ERA of 2.00, and 209 strikeouts in 30 games this regular season. He has reserved the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the regular season with 20 wins and 200 strikeouts.
MLB.com predicted Peddie's chances of success, recalling the performance of Merrill Kelly (Arizona Diamondbacks), a former KBO League player who appeared on the World Series stage in the 2023 season. “Kelly, who grew up in the KBO League and returned to the United States, was a key factor in Arizona becoming the National League champion,” he said. “Peddy will be able to successfully adapt to the Major League and become a part of the starting rotation.”