Despite Kim Ha-seong’s solid performance… ”
One of the brightest players in the San Diego Padres’ 2023 season is Ha-seong Kim (28). In 152 games this season, 140 hits in 538 at-bats, a batting average of 0.260, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 84 runs, and an OPS of 0.749. According to Baseball Reference, WAR (5.8) ranks 8th in the National League.
This is the extent of the decline in various figures and rankings at the end of the season. Although the finish was not good, Ha-seong Kim has been reborn as a top-class center infielder in the National League this year. There is one year left on the guaranteed 4+1 year contract worth up to $39 million (approximately 52.8 billion won). As a prospective free agent, his value gradually increases.
NBC Sports looked back at San Diego’s season this year on the 17th (Korean time). It was pointed out that one of the reasons for the failure of the ultra-luxury team San Diego this season was the decline in the production of catchers, first basemen, center fielders, and designated hitters. We cannot ignore the fact that players with high reputations took action too late.
NBC Sports said, “Despite the solid performances of Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ha-Sung Kim, and offseason recruit Xander Bogaerts, the reason San Diego ultimately missed the postseason was due to the sub-replacement level performance of other position players. . “We cannot overlook the fact that the catcher, first baseman, center fielder, and designated hitter torpedoed our playoff hopes.”스포츠토토
NBC Sports called Jake Cronenworth, Trent Grisham, Matt Carpenter, Rougnard Odor, Austin Nola, and Nelson Cruz “overwhelming performances.” It was a sarcasm to say that the performance was sluggish. In addition, he pointed out that the inability of Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove to play at the end of the season was also a problem.
San Diego is trying to lower its payroll for the 2024 season from $250 million to $200 million. A trade for Soto, whose annual salary for the 2024 season is expected to be $33 million, is certain. However, NBC Sports did not come to a conclusion. When dealing with Soto, the challenge is to prepare a good return. Free agents Blake Snell and Josh Hader are likely to part ways.
In the case of Kim Ha-seong, it is important to show this season’s productivity next year. The 2024 season is important not only for San Diego, but also for Kim Ha-seong’s future. On this day, CBS Sports announced that Kim Ha-seong was ranked 11th in the shortstop rankings for the 2024 season. Although he is a second baseman, he explained that being able to play third base and shortstop is a big advantage.