Fresh Predictions for Next Crop of MLB Free-agent Signings Post Ohtani to the Dodgers | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Contract Prediction: Four years, $40 million

Somewhat overshadowed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga, there is also an intriguing bat on this year's international market in 2022 KBO MVP Jung Hoo Lee.

The 25-year-old hit .349/.421/.575 with 36 doubles, 10 triples, 23 home runs, 113 RBI and 85 runs scored in 142 games for the Kiwoom Heroes during his MVP campaign, and while his 2023 season was cut short by a fractured ankle, he is a career .340/.407/.491 hitter over 3,947 plate appearances in the KBO.

The Padres have been actively cutting costs this offseason, but there is still enough talent on the roster for them to potentially contend, and trading away Juan Soto and Trent Grisham has created a glaring void in the outfield. Playing alongside former KBO standout Ha-Seong Kim could also make for a smoother transition stateside.