MIAMI, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The World Champion Florida Marlins Tuesday sent first baseman Derrek Lee to the Chicago Cubs for first baseman Hee Seop Choi and a minor leaguer.
Lee, 28, was arbitration eligible after collecting $4.25 million last season. As the third highest-paid player on the team, he hit .271 with 31 homers and 92 RBI while committing only five errors.
He batted .341 with five home runs and 20 RBI in September to help Florida earn the National League wild card, then had 15 hits and eight RBI in the playoffs.
Among Lee's big hits was a game-tying two-run double off Chicago's Mark Prior in Game Six of the NL Championship Series.
Choi is the first Korean-born position player to appear in the major leagues. In 104 career games, the 24-year-old has hit .210 with 10 homers and 32 RBI.
