"SF Season Collapses! Sell Lee Jung-hoo at the Peak Immediately" — Bombshell Suggestion from U.S. Media

*This content was translated by AI.

The San Francisco Giants' 2026 season is effectively heading toward collapse. Local media are strongly urging San Francisco to abandon the playoff race and position itself as a "seller," even proposing the radical step of trading their key outfielder, Lee Jung-hoo (28), while his value is at its highest.

On the 9th (Korean time), the U.S. media outlet "USA Today" highlighted the Giants' dire current situation this season and called for sweeping roster changes.

Marcus Smith, a California-based reporter for USA Today, wrote in his article: "Until just before the season opener, San Francisco was given a modest assessment that it could compete for a wild card spot. Power analyses suggested it could compete with any team. But once the lid was lifted, the reality was devastating."

In fact, with only one week remaining until the All-Star break, San Francisco holds a 38-54 record, ranking third-lowest in Major League Baseball overall. Notably, on the 9th at home against the Toronto Blue Jays, they were held hitless through eight innings and suffered a lifeless 0-10 defeat. The outlet stated: "It is becoming increasingly clear that this team cannot compete in the second half," adding, "San Francisco must now accept reality and actively step forward as a 'seller'."

The escape route proposed by USA Today is clear: shed high-salary players to reduce luxury tax burdens and secure financial flexibility to invest in promising prospects. In this process, the outlet identified Lee Jung-hoo as the most attractive trade asset. ESPN, a leading U.S. sports media outlet, has also evaluated Lee Jung-hoo as a "top-ranked candidate" in this year's trade market, ranking him seventh among 100 available players.

USA Today further explained: "Although Lee Jung-hoo may not be an elite superstar, he can be marketed to other teams as a reliable and promising two-way all-around player."

His contract value and terms are also considered attractive elements in the trade market. According to the article, Lee Jung-hoo, who is 27 years old by U.S. age standards, earns $22.83 million (approximately 345 billion won) for this season and next, with his salary decreasing to $21.33 million (approximately 322 billion won) in 2028 and 2029. For championship contenders urgently needing outfield reinforcements, this represents a compelling scale.

The outlet strongly advised: "It's easy to say, but San Francisco must shed its current expensive contracts," urging the team to actively sell Lee Jung-hoo on the trade market at his peak value to secure the future.

With the rosy pre-season outlook completely shattered, will San Francisco ultimately list Lee Jung-hoo as a trade target and press the "rebuilding" button? As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the league is closely watching.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.