NEW YORK -- Korean baseball star Jung Hoo Lee is still expected to sign with a Major League Baseball club this winter, despite a fractured left ankle that could end his season with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO League.

The Heroes announced in January that Lee would be posted for MLB clubs after the 2023 season; neither the club nor Lee has indicated that the ankle surgery will alter those plans, according to reporter Jeeho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency.

Lee, who turns 25 this month, is a center fielder known for his elite contact hitting.

“Great player,” praised Mets left-hander Brooks Raley, who faced Lee during his own KBO tenure. “His hand-eye coordination is amazing, and his power has really come along. Earlier this year, I saw a highlight of him hitting a home run to the opposite field. That said a lot to me about how much stronger he’s become.”

Lee was named the KBO League MVP last year. He batted .429 in four games for Team Korea at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, then posted an .863 OPS in 85 games for the Heroes during the current season.

Lee’s father, Jong-beom Lee, is a Korean baseball icon and former KBO League MVP.

The Boras Corporation announced via Instagram in late January that the agency is representing Lee.