MLB Hot Stove Winter Meeting Updates: Jung-Hoo Lee posted, Shohei in San Fran, Wade Miley moving closer to deal, Whit Merrifield in Nashville
KBO’s outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee has been posted, according to Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News. Lee has now a 30-day negotiating window starting Dec. 5th to agree to an MLB deal.
With the Kiwoom Heroes, the left-hander played in 86 games, 387 PA last season. He hit 318/.406/.455, 6 HR, 45 RBI but was limited action due to an ankle injury.
In 2022, the 25-year-old really impressed as slashing .349/.421/.575 with 23 home runs and 113 RBIs, winning the KBO MVP award. Over his seven-year career he owns a .340 average with five KBO Golden Glove awards.
Teams that are looking for left-handed bats such as Cody Bellinger could view Lee as an alternative. Jon Heyman of MLB Network listed the Yankees and Padres as two of the teams that are interested. Bob Nightengale of USA Today has added the Mets as a team to watch too.
Shohei in San Fran?
The pursuit of Shohei Ohtani remains he biggest storyline of the winter. Despite only being able to hit next season, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported the contract for Ohtani could end up reaching $600 million.
The question everyone wants to know is where he will sign. There is a report out there he has visited Oracle Park and the San Fransciso Giants.
Yahoo Japan reported he met with the Giants including new manager Bob Melvin and former longtime catcher Buster Posey. It is unclear if Ohtani has taken or has plans to take other visits.
The sweepstakes for the superstar has been mostly speculation. It will be interesting to see if leaks like this would influence his decision.
Milwaukee closing in on Wade Miley
Wade Miley could be nearing a return to the Milwaukee Brewers. Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic first reported a deal could be on the horizon. Heyman said that a deal is moving closer and that it would be a one-year deal.
Last season Miley went 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA/4.69 FIP. He turned down a $10 million mutual option at the start of the offseason. The veteran southpaw will be looking for a larger payday.
In his career, the 37-year old owns a 4.06 ERA over 13 major league seasons.
He has pitched for the Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Mariners, Orioles, Astros, Reds and two stints with the Brewers. Miley previously pitched for Milwaukee in 2015. A new one-year deal would mark his third overall season in Wisconsin.
Merrifield in Nashville at the Winter Meetings
Whit Merrifield is the best second base free agent on the open market. He took time on Monday to appear live in Nashville with MLB Network at the winter meetings.
“Have had some conversations. I feel second base is my best position, but I know there’s versatility.” Merrifield told the MLB Network crew.
Merrifield, 34, split his appearances last season with the Blue Jays between second base and left field (84 and 81, respectively).
With Toronto he slashed .272/.318/.382 with 67 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. His strong numbers got him selected to his third all star game.
“I’ve hit in every spot of the lineup in my career, but I think one and two is my sweet spot.” Merrifield responded when asking where he prefers to hit in the batting order.
Pure speculation, but the Red Sox would be an ideal fit. Boston is not only in need of a strong defensive glove, but they could use a right handed lead off man to get on in front of Rafael Devers.
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