There are speculations that Kim Ha-seong (29, San Diego Padres), who joined hands with ‘super agent’ Scott Boras, will leave the team and enter the free agent market.
Sports Illustrated (SI) published an article on the 7th (Korean time) titled ‘Kim Ha-sung’s recent actions are a sign that he may leave San Diego.’
SI said, “Ha-seong Kim has a mutual option with the San Diego club for the 2025 season, so his contract can be extended if an agreement is reached. However, Ha-seong Kim is expected to hit the free agent market.”
Ha-seong Kim, who played as the Kiwoom Heroes’ starting shortstop, signed a 4+1 year, up to $39 million (approximately KRW 52.5 billion) contract with San Diego through the posting system ahead of the 2021 season.
There is a mutual option for the 2025 season, and if a contract extension is agreed upon, Ha-seong Kim will remain in San Diego with an annual salary of $8 million. If one of the two refuses to exercise the option, Ha-seong Kim receives a buyout of $2 million and becomes a free agent.
Under these circumstances, Ha-seong Kim was unable to complete the regular season this year.
Kim Ha-seong, who injured his right shoulder while sliding to first base to check the opponent after hitting a hit against the Colorado Rockies on August 19, was initially diagnosed with inflammation, but ended up having to undergo surgery, ending his season.
At the beginning of this season, there was a strong possibility that Kim Ha-seong, who played a key role in San Diego’s infield, would seek a large contract by declaring free agency instead of accepting the mutual option.
There has been a change in the atmosphere as Kim Ha-sung suffered from injury, and with the recent appointment of Boras as an agent, weight is being placed on the possibility of free agency.
If Kim Ha-seong, who has strengths in defense, becomes a free agent, a team worth targeting may appear. Ha-seong Kim, who played second base and shortstop in the 2023 season, was recognized for his defensive skills and won the National League Utility Category Gold Glove.
SI said, “Kim Ha-seong will soon undergo shoulder surgery, but he will become a popular free agent this winter.” Kim Ha-seong has average hitting ability and is an excellent defender. “He shows top-notch defense at second base, third base, and shortstop.”
Another media outlet, Around the Foghorn, predicted that the San Francisco Giants, San Diego’s National League West rival and Lee Jung-hoo’s team, may be interested in recruiting Kim Ha-seong.
Coach Bob Melvin, the current head coach of San Francisco, worked together with Ha-Seong Kim as the coach of San Diego from 2022 to 2023.
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2024-10-08 16:05:45