The US sports media ‘ESPN’ predicted the starting lineup of 30 major league teams. Korean big leaguers Choi Ji-man (32, Pittsburgh Pirates) and Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) are expected to join the starting lineup.
On the 28th (Korean time), ESPN predicted the hitting of 30 major league clubs in an online column. 1st place was Kim Ha-sung’s team, San Diego, with a total score of 896, rising to 1st place. San Diego has a solid lineup with special members such as Manny Machado (31), Xander Bogatz (31), and Juan Soto (25).
Kim Ha-seong is expected to be the team’s first hitter and second baseman among superstars. Kim Ha-seong gradually adapted to the fast ball last year and recorded a batting average of 0.251 (130 hits in 517 bats), 11 homers, 59 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.708.
He’s better on defense. Kim Ha-seong drew attention from fans and media by making highlight films for each match. He showed off his presence by injecting vitality in the air and defense even in the position of shortstop with a high defensive burden.
Although he was pushed out of the competition due to the joining of shortstop Bogatz, he has proven his prowess in both offense and defense, so he is expected to be guaranteed many markets with attractive infield resources.
The media highly evaluated, saying, “Considering the skills of the key players, if they stay healthy (without injuries), they will have the strongest offense in San Diego’s history.” Machado, Bogatz, Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. (24), who will return from injury and banned substance suspension, can have a terrifying team batting line with only four MVP-level hitters.
Choi Ji-man’s Pittsburgh ranked 17th with a total score of 717. Choi Ji-man is expected to lead the team’s attack as the fourth hitter and first baseman. It is a position familiar enough that he often took the number 4 for his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays. Another Korean big leaguer, Bae Ji-hwan (25), who belongs to the same team, is unfortunately not included in this list. 토토사이트
The media explained, “Pittsburgh is the best ahead of the 2023 season, but it has strengthened its batting line by selecting players with good pioneering ideas such as Andrew McCutchen (37) and Carlos Santana (37).”
Meanwhile, according to media projections, Korean-American Tommy Hyeon-su Edman (28, St. Louis Cardinals) is also expected to join the starting list. Hyeonsu Edmund is expected to show explosive offense along with hard hitters such as Paul Goldschmidt (36) and Nolan Arenado (32) as the first hitter shortstop.