A trade for Ha-seong Kim (San Diego Padres) is possible at any time unless the former club has the right to veto it. At this point, no one knows the outcome of the 4+1 year contract worth up to $39 million (approximately 52.8 billion won). Now that San Diego has set the tone for the pay cut, Kim Ha-seong, a prospective free agent, is in a similar situation to Juan Soto (25). Soto, whose annual salary is expected to be $33 million next year, is certain to be traded.
The Athletic’s Dennis Lin published a long article on the 21st (Korean time) about Xander Bogaerts’ position shift and Kim Ha-seong’s possible return to shortstop. In the process, the possibility of Kim Ha-seong being traded was also naturally mentioned. Ha-Seong Kim’s value is rising, and the timing of top infield prospect Jackson Merrill’s major league call-up must also be determined.
Sports Illustrated’s Fan Nation Inside the Padres praised Ha-seong Kim while mentioning Lin’s article on the 23rd. “He had the best season of his three-year Major League career as the most consistent player in the 2023 season. It was the most complete season. “His batting has caught up with his great gloves.”
He shed his image as a defensive multi-infielder and became a multi-infielder who also plays offense and defense. Inside the Padres said, “Ha-seong Kim did not disappoint in the San Diego infield. He had an OPS of 0.749 and an OPS+ of 110, along with excellent defense throughout the infield.”
It was diagnosed that Kim Ha-seong’s rise in value increases the possibility of a trade. Inside the Padres said, “Like Merrill’s debut and Lin’s story, the story that Kim Ha-sung could leave is not absurd. Ha-Seong Kim’s large contract may seem odd on a talented San Diego roster.”
Meanwhile, Inside the Padres said, “If Ha-Sung Kim’s time at Petco Park ends with a trade, any potential suitor will receive one of the best all-around players in the major leagues.” This means that if San Diego lets Ha-seong Kim go in order to control infield traffic and manage payroll, it would be a great trade partner.
However, it remains to be seen whether Kim Ha-seong’s trade will actually come to fruition. This is because San Diego and LA Dodgers will hold their official opening two-game series in Seoul on March 21-22 next year. For San Diego, the trade of Ha-Seong Kim, who is the face of Seoul’s opening game, may be burdensome at least until the opening of next season.
Source: 바둑이게임