The Giants' outfield is getting a fresh look heading into the 2026 season-and Jung Hoo Lee is right at the center of it. With the offseason signing of veteran center fielder Harrison Bader, Lee is officially shifting to right field, a move that reflects both roster strategy and Lee’s team-first mentality.
Buster Posey, now steering the Giants’ front office, praised Lee’s professionalism in embracing the change. Speaking on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” show, Posey didn’t hold back in his appreciation for how Lee handled the transition.
“He was a true pro about making the move,” Posey said. “He gets it.
He’s a team player, and he wants whatever is going to be best for the team. He took it great, and he was already getting some work in.
He has experience there in the past. Jung Hoo is a team guy.”
That mindset matters. Last season, the Giants’ outfield defense was a sore spot-tied for the worst fielding percentage in the league.
It wasn’t just one player or one play; it was a collective issue that impacted games in real time. So, the addition of Bader-one of the game’s more reliable gloves in center-and a healthier, more settled Lee in right could be a major step toward tightening things up defensively.
And let’s not overlook what Lee brings to the table. He’s not just shifting positions; he’s evolving. Posey pointed to Lee’s trajectory, highlighting the challenges he faced in 2025 as he returned from injury and adjusted to a new league.
“[Lee is] another one I’m really excited about just because of the injury a couple of years ago and then last year, [came] back from the injury, kind of, feeling your way through a full season,” Posey said. “Still, essentially it was kind of a new league for him last year, so high hopes for him and I think he’s gonna be in a good spot.”
Lee’s offensive numbers in 2025 reflected a player still finding his rhythm but showing flashes of what he can become. He slashed .266/.407/.735 with 10 stolen bases, 55 RBIs, and 8 home runs-solid production for a player navigating recovery, relocation, and the grind of his first full MLB season.
Now, with a full offseason to train, heal, and lock in on his new role in right field, Lee has a real chance to take a leap. His instincts, bat-to-ball skills, and speed on the bases already give him a strong foundation. Add in improved health and defensive stability, and Lee could become a key two-way contributor for a Giants team looking to turn the corner.
The positional shift isn’t just a depth chart adjustment-it’s a signal. The Giants are betting on Lee’s versatility, maturity, and upside. And if early signs are any indication, it’s a bet that could pay off in a big way.