Eric Longenhagen, FanGraphs lead prospect analyst, discusses players from Asian leagues enlivening the MLB free-agent market. He evaluates international players, talks about stylistic differences among leagues, and discusses Asian players who are still years away from MLB. They also discuss the challenges of evaluating players moving from one league to another and the impact of deferrals in baseball contracts.
Jung Hoo Lee is projected to provide around 2.5 WAR through his contact and defensive skills.
The difference in contract values between Korean players Kim and Lee reflects the level of confidence MLB teams have in Korean players and their potential to excel in the major leagues.
The scouting process for players in Asian leagues involves using multiple resources and expertise, including video analysis, data resources, and connections within the baseball community.
Deep dives
What Giants fans should expect from Lee
San Francisco Giants fans can expect Lee to provide strong defensive skills in center field. He has a plus arm and is projected to be an above-average to plus defensive center fielder, which fills a gap the Giants had on their roster. Offensively, there may be an adjustment period as he transitions to facing major league pitching. Lee is a talented contact hitter and has the ability to make a lot of contact. Over time, he may see improvements in his offensive production, especially if there are changes made to his swing and if his power develops. Overall, Lee is projected to provide around 2.5 WAR through his contact and defensive skills.
Comparison between Lee and Kim
While both Lee and Kim are Korean players, they have different skill sets and play styles. Kim was known for his power in the KBO, while Lee is more contact-oriented. Kim had to make adjustments to his hitting approach when coming to MLB. Lee, on the other hand, is a talented contact hitter and may have a higher floor in terms of offensive production. However, he may need time to adjust to major league pitching. The difference in their contracts may reflect the level of confidence MLB teams have in Korean players and their potential to excel in the major leagues.
Scouting process for players in Asian leagues
The scouting process for players in Asian leagues involves a combination of video analysis, data resources, and sources within the baseball community. Synergy Sports provides access to video from Asian professional leagues, allowing for comprehensive analysis of player performance. Data resources such as Delta Graphs provide valuable information and stats for analyzing players in Asian leagues. Additionally, connections with scouts, former executives, and other sources within the baseball community provide insights into players' potential and projection. Overall, the scouting process for Asian players involves using multiple resources and expertise to evaluate and assess their skills and potential.
Factors impacting success of players in foreign leagues
The success of players in foreign leagues can be influenced by various factors. One factor is the player development expertise of the teams in those leagues. Some teams may be better at developing players and helping them unlock their potential. Additionally, a change in mindset or motivation may come into play when players go to a foreign league after facing setbacks in MLB. They may be more open-minded and willing to make adjustments to improve their performance. The success of players in foreign leagues can also vary based on the specific player and the type of production they bring. Some players may excel immediately, while others may require more time to adjust to the higher level of competition.
Yamamoto: A Top Pitching Prospect
Yamamoto, a highly sought-after international pitcher, is drawing attention from teams like the Dodgers. He is praised for his impressive command and delivery, resembling that of Zack Greinke. Despite his stuff being above average to plus, his exceptional command sets him apart. With a fastball reaching the mid to upper 90s and a reliable splitter, Yamamoto is a top-of-the-rotation starter who could potentially receive a contract in the range of 350 million dollars.
Other Notable International Pitching Prospects
Aside from Yamamoto, there are several other international pitchers generating interest. Roki Sasaki, a top prospect, has requested to be posted this offseason. Yariel Rodriguez, a Cuban reliever, could excel as a setup man. Munetaka Murakami and Sean Patey Yamashita are two promising young players to watch, with Murakami displaying incredible power and Yamashita showcasing a Trevor Lawrence-like build and impressive command. Additionally, players like Yuki Matsui and Yun-Yu Sang offer valuable contributions as lefty relievers. Overall, the international pitching landscape presents an array of talented players who could make significant impacts in the MLB.
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley call for a listener referendum on how to treat Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented contract in the EW free-agent-contract over/under draft, then (20:43) banter about the Royals’ recent pitching additions and a wizardly Will Smith. After that (33:32), they talk to FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen about the players from Asian […]
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