Compared to infielder Torres
Korean infielder Kim Ha-seong, who remains in the Major League Baseball (MLB) free agent market, was evaluated as a cost-effective infielder.
Yahoo Sports of the United States compared and analyzed the top players in the free agent market on the 27th (local time).
Ha-seong Kim was compared to infielder Gleyber Torres.
Russell Dodge said of Kim Ha-seong, “He is one of the most interesting players in this year’s free agent market. “He is not a big player, but he has unique abilities and can help the team.”
He pointed out that Ha-seong Kim has improved offensively every season, and introduced that he hit 8 home runs in 2021, 11 home runs in 2022, and a career-high 17 home runs in 2023. He explained that in 2023, he also stood out in base running, recording more than 30 stolen bases.
He continued, “A former shortstop, he played third base, shortstop, and second base. After entering the big leagues in 2021, he is considered one of the best infield defenders. “We won the Gold Glove Award in the utility category in 2023,” he wrote.
He added, “He is a player who can bring real change to the team without paying a large price. He is one year older than Torres, but he has a variety of abilities, so he is a player of great value to whichever team recruits him.”
Ha-seong Kim, who debuted in the big league in 2021 after playing in the KBO League, played a total of 540 MLB games, recording a batting average of 0.242, 47 home runs, 200 RBIs, and 78 stolen bases.
Last year, he performed at his best since his MLB debut with a batting average of 0.260, 17 home runs, 60 RBI, and 38 stolen bases, but his season ended early in August this year due to a right shoulder injury.
The timing of his return from shoulder surgery is still unclear. This is the most disadvantageous part of the free agent contract for Ha-seong Kim.
Jordan Shusterman gave Torres a higher score, citing Kim Ha-seong’s surgery and return schedule.
Shusterman wrote, “If he had not had surgery that would have caused him to miss the first month of the 2025 season, it would have been more advantageous to select Ha-seong Kim considering his productivity and excellent defense at various infield positions.”
He continued, “However, it is highly likely that Kim Ha-seong will not be able to participate in spring training. “Even after recovery, it is doubtful whether he will be able to exert a meaningful influence considering that it may take more time to improve his condition at the beginning of the season,” he said coldly.
“Ha-seong Kim is likely to provide more value through a 3-4 year contract, but in the short term, we see Torres’ offensive potential as a higher investment value,” he added.
Meanwhile, Torres signed a one-year contract worth $15 million (about 22.14 billion won) with the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit, which was looking for an infielder, was a team that was mentioned as a candidate to recruit Ha-seong Kim. As Detroit embraces Torres, it appears that Ha-seong Kim is being excluded as a destination candidate.
[서울=뉴시스]
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