San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee calmly accepts moving to right field.

Back in December 2023, the Giants secured Jung Hoo Lee for six years at $113 million, viewing him as their long-term solution in center field. After two seasons, this Korean batter will be departing from that role.

With newcomer Harrison Bader joining the team, it’s expected he will take over center field duties, and Lee will move to right field this season. At 27, Lee has never played corner outfield in the majors, but he expressed that communication with manager Tony Vitello and general manager Zack Minasian has been smooth, and he accepts the change with ease.

“The communication went very well,” Lee said today through his translator, Mr. Han. “I understand that adding Bader will improve our outfield defense. Accepting the move to right field is not difficult for me. As long as I can help the team, I’m willing to do whatever is needed.”

“I have experience playing that position in the KBO. Looking back at last season, if I had performed better in center field, the team probably would have kept me there. But as long as I can contribute to making the team better, I always put the team first.”

Lee’s defensive runs saved in center field last season was -5, but the Giants believe he fits better in right field, especially given his arm strength ranks in the top 9% of the league. Bader’s arrival will ease pressure on Lee and left fielder Heliot Ramos, injecting much-needed energy into the outfield. The Giants’ outfield defense was tied for last in the majors in 2025 with a defensive runs saved of -18.

“At Oracle Park, you need someone capable of playing center field to guard right field,” Vitello said. “Lee’s willingness to train in right field shows an important openness. He still has to adjust because our ballpark is unique, but I believe this will improve the overall outfield defense, which was not ideal last year.”

This week, Lee began taking right field fly balls at Scottsdale Stadium. He plans to seek advice from former Giants teammate Mike Yastrzemski on how to play near the brick wall at Oracle Park.

“In a few weeks, I will definitely call Yaz to ask about right field,” Lee said. “You all know better than anyone how complex right field at Oracle Park is. After spring training, I will spend a lot of time there getting used to that corner.”

Last year, the Giants started selling “Jung Hoo Lee Zone” center field ticket packages at Oracle Park. Now that Lee is expected to move to right field, the team is still discussing whether to relocate the designated seating area.

“Maybe put them on a boat out on the water?” Lee joked.

Lee will not participate in the entire Giants spring training, as he will lead the Korean national team as captain in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next month. Korea is grouped with Japan, Australia, Czech Republic, and Chinese Taipei in Pool C at the Tokyo Dome, with games starting March 5.

“I know the team will start training together in two days,” Lee said, “I will arrive later. I’ve always participated in international tournaments as a player before, but this time I’m the captain. It’s also my first time competing as a Major League player. I feel a great responsibility and will give it my all.”

Lee said his goal is to help Korea advance as far as possible, ideally facing the U.S. team led by Giants ace Logan Webb. During batting practice at Scottsdale Stadium yesterday, Lee drew a walk against Webb. However, both know that if they meet in the Classic, it won’t be so polite.

“I know they can advance, but whether we face them depends on us,” Lee said. “I’m really looking forward to competing against him there.”

“So today, I threw him nothing but bad pitches to hide my stuff,” Webb joked. “But seriously, it would be really exciting if we actually face each other.”