Looking at Lee Hao-yu’s incredible season

One of the biggest stars on the Detroit Tigers’ Threads account is infielder Lee Hao-yu, with posts featuring the Taiwanese rookie rarely drawing fewer than 5,000 likes, far more than the 1,000 likes posts featuring other players only occasionally draw.

Behind much of that enthusiasm was the 23-year-old’s breakthrough season in MLB.

Lee finished with 87 hits, including 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 114 games, setting Taiwanese single-season MLB records in all four categories. More importantly for Lee, he became a regular presence in Detroit’s lineup by the end of the season.

Lee Hao-yu of the Detroit Tigers swings against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday last week. Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

In separate interviews, anchor Martin Lin and Jacky Lee, an anchor for Videoland Sports, called it the best MLB season ever by a Taiwanese position player.

They pointed to the same obstacle to making that breakthrough last: his fielding.

‘BALANCED BATTING‘

Lee Hao-yu of the Detroit Tigers plays against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 27 in Detroit, Michigan.

Photo: AFP

Lee hit .264 with a .322 on-base percentage and .424 slugging percentage. His OPS+ of 107 put his offensive production 7 percent above league average after adjustments for ballpark and league conditions.

For Jacky Lee, statistics were only part of Lee’s story this year.

Taiwanese position players in the majors have often depended on injuries, specific matchups or defensive versatility to get playing time, but Lee increasingly gave Detroit a reason to find him a place regardless of circumstances.

“By the second half, you came to expect that if the Tigers were playing, you would see Lee Hao-yu,” the broadcaster said.

He contrasted Lee with Yu Chang, whose defensive versatility helped create opportunities for him across five MLB seasons but whose hitting was wildly inconsistent.

Lee’s ability to make contact, hit to the opposite field and make adjustments has given him a steadier offensive foundation, Jacky Lee said.

The right-handed hitting Lee impressed with his balance at the plate, finishing with a .263 average and .753 OPS against right-handers and a .265 average and .737 OPS against left-handers, giving him the chance to play every day.

Lin said the rookie’s success was owed to a combination of timing, opportunity and compatibility.

“The Tigers’ position-player group was clearly getting younger this year,” Lin said. “Lee Hao-yu happened to catch that wave.”

Injuries to second baseman Gleyber Torres opened up playing time, while Detroit’s fading postseason prospects created more opportunities for younger players.

Lee’s ability to drive the ball into the air suited Detroit’s offensive approach, Lin said.

That overall fit made Lee’s success difficult to emulate for other Taiwanese players, Lin contended.

“I don’t think you can use Lee Hao-yu alone as the standard. He is too unusual, too different,” Lin said. “His success is not necessarily something other Taiwanese players can replicate.”

‘PITBULL MINDSET‘

During August’s Players’ Weekend, Detroit’s lineup announcements displayed Lee’s nickname: “Pitbull,” evoking the strength and tenacity associated with the dog.

Lin credited Lee with staying focused when he initially was mostly used only against left-handers.

“He did not let that period of limited opportunities get him down,” Lin said.

Lee described his confidence in an interview video uploaded by sports news outlet Vamos Sports in August.

“They’re good, but I’m good too. I can hit them — why wouldn’t I be able to?” he said. “Whatever mindset I had in the minor leagues, I brought it to the major leagues.”

To Lee, pitchers were still pitchers, throwing the same fastballs, curveballs and sliders.

Maintaining confidence did not mean refusing to change. Jacky Lee said that the rookie’s return to Triple-A Toledo was a turning point. Detroit optioned him on June 2 and recalled him on June 13.

Upon his return, the broadcaster saw adjustments to his stance and hitting mechanics, a more aggressive approach early in the count, and a greater willingness to pull the ball.

Lee had previously struggled with his timing, often swinging late, Jacky Lee said, and the adjustments helped him use his power more effectively.

‘SERVICEABLE’‘

His bat has earned Lee opportunities, but the broadcasters said his glove could determine his fate.

Jacky Lee pointed to his minus-12 Outs Above Average, a Statcast measure estimating outs saved or lost relative to an average fielder. Lee recorded minus-five at second base, minus-six at third and minus-one in limited shortstop work.

Although Lee does not have to become an elite defender, Jacky Lee said he at least needs to become “serviceable.”

“He’s not even 25 yet. If he has to be moved to first base or designated hitter now, that would be very unfavorable for his long-term future in the major leagues,” the sportscaster said.

A major infield signing could squeeze Lee’s opportunities, particularly if his defense left Detroit with few other positions in which to play him.

Torres played this season on a one-year, US$22.025 million qualifying offer. Jacky Lee said his return was unlikely, saying that the Tigers might give the less expensive Lee a chance and spend elsewhere.

Lin said that range, reactions and ball handling were weaknesses for Lee, but he was firmer about Torres’ departure.

“The Tigers will definitely not sign Gleyber Torres back,” Lin said.

He expected Detroit to avoid another expensive veteran contract and give Lee substantial opportunities next spring, without the uncertainty over playing time he faced this year.

“Lee Hao-yu should be their first option at second base next year,” Lin said.