San Francisco Giants' Lee Jung-hoo (27) has been identified as a key factor for the team's postseason. Even while taking a break due to back pain, his presence continues to be highlighted.

'MLB.com' noted on the 23rd (from here on Korean time) that they selected one X-Factor player from each of the 10 teams that failed to qualify for last year's postseason. In San Francisco, outfielder Lee Jung-hoo was identified as the X-Factor.

'MLB.com' pointed out that 'the San Francisco lineup is expected to gain energy with the addition of free-agent signing Willy Adames, but he alone will not provide playoff-level offensive capability for San Francisco. Considering the uncertainty in the starting rotation after ace Logan Webb, this is even more the case.'

'MLB.com' explained that 'San Francisco is expecting that the addition of major free agent Lee Jung-hoo, signed after the 2023 season, will inject essential energy into the lineup. A former KBO star, Lee Jung-hoo underwent surgery for a torn left shoulder labrum in May of last year, which caused him to miss the season, resulting in a short rookie season. At the time of his injury, Lee Jung-hoo had a batting average of .262, with 2 home runs and an OPS of .641.'

While the surface statistics may not stand out, 'MLB.com' expressed hope that 'with a 37.1% rate of balls hit on the bat's center, a 9.6% swing-and-miss rate, and an 8.2% Samjin rate, some basic indicators suggest that Lee Jung-hoo could improve in his second season in Major League Baseball.'

Expectations from local media regarding Lee Jung-hoo are not limited to just 'MLB.com.' On the 20th, 'The Athletic' also noted that 'Giants fans nearly panicked upon seeing the letters MRI. Fortunately, it was not a serious issue, but Lee Jung-hoo's injury history reflects the anxiety of the team for 2025,' emphasizing that he is among six players that could lead to a thought of 'If this player falls, the Giants are done.'

Last winter, they signed 'power-hitting shortstop' Adames to a massive 7-year, $182 million contract, but the San Francisco lineup still has a high dependency on starters and is vulnerable to injury risks. If Lee Jung-hoo is absent, postseason competition cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, it is crucial for Lee Jung-hoo to manage his health well and complete the season.

Lee Jung-hoo, who suffered a shoulder injury in mid-May last year and was out for the season after 37 games, returned to spring training after undergoing eight months of rehabilitation following surgery. In exhibition games, he posted a .300 batting average (9 hits in 30 at-bats), with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, 9 runs scored, 4 walks, and a Samjin rate of 7. He showed off strong hitting with an on-base percentage of .400, slugging percentage of .567, and OPS of .967, but has been inactive since finishing a game against the Texas Rangers on the 14th.

Ahead of the game against the Seattle Mariners on the 16th, he suddenly missed the starting lineup due to back tightness, raising concerns about injury as he underwent an MRI. Fortunately, the MRI results on the 19th revealed no structural damage, providing some relief. Lee Jung-hoo will return to action on the 24th against the Sacramento River Cats, a Triple-A team, in order to sharpen his game sense. The season opener for San Francisco is scheduled for the 28th against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Meanwhile, 'MLB.com' listed the remaining 9 X-Factors excluding Lee Jung-hoo as Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly, Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford, Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Cincinnati pitcher Nick Lodolo, Boston Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler, and Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt Wallner.

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