On Thursday (KST), Major League Baseball Trade Rumors (MLBTR) took a look at 25 players who could be moved via trade this winter. Kim Ha-seong’s name came up.
Major League Baseball is in full swing after the World Series (WS), with teams presenting qualifying offers (QOs) to free agent-eligible players, who then decide whether to accept them or evaluate their value in the free agent market. With clubs faced with the task of bolstering their rosters at the end of the season, preparations for the 2024 season are already underway.토토사이트
In the case of Stavrig, it’s not just about free agents. He also acquires players released by teams during the season and tries to piece together trade cards between teams. In one of these, ‘MLBTR’ pointed out the trade cards that could happen this winter, and Kim was ranked 9th out of 25.
He signed a four-year, $39 million contract with the San Diego Padres prior to the 2021 season. In his first season in the big leagues, Kim struggled to adjust to big league pitchers, and his offense, which was his “strength” in the KBO, did not stand out. However, it didn’t take him long to adjust to the major leagues.
Kim took advantage of the gap last year when Fernando Tatis Jr. underwent wrist surgery and was suspended for using banned substances. In 150 games at the plate, Kim hit .251 with 130 hits, 11 home runs, 59 RBIs, 58 runs scored, 12 doubles, and a .708 OPS, while his defense earned him a Gold Glove nomination at shortstop in the National League. And Kim had the best year of his career.
In 152 games this year, Kim hit .260 with 17 homers, 60 RBI, 84 runs scored, 38 stolen bases, and a .749 OPS. While he failed to become the “first” Asian infielder to join the 20-homer, 20-steal club, Kim had a “career-high” season, rewriting most of his hitting metrics. In addition, he was at the top of his game defensively.
He was named the National League’s second-best second baseman and a Gold Glove candidate in the utility category. Kim played 856⅔ innings at second base, 253⅔ at third base, and 153⅔ at shortstop this year, and while he didn’t take home the title at second base, he did take home the Utility Gold Glove for his versatility. It was a first for an Asian infielder.
Kim was a “hot” trade target throughout the season, and that doesn’t seem to be changing now that the season is over. This is especially true since he just completed his third year in the majors and his four-year, guaranteed contract ends after the 2024 season. A mutual option exists, but if he continues to perform like he has this year, there’s no reason for him to exercise it. He can walk away for a better deal.
“If the Padres keep Juan Soto, trading Trent Grisham and Ha-Sung Kim could be an alternative to reducing the payroll,” says MLBTR. “Kim and Grisham won’t make as much money as Soto in 2024, but they have mid-level salaries. Grisham is projected to make $4.9 million, while Kim will make $8 million. And Kim has a mutual option for 2025, which means he will be a free agent next winter.”
MLBTR continued, “If they trade Kim, Jake Cronenwirth could move back to second base. They could also give a better hitter a shot at first base. But it would be hard to replace Kim’s overall production.” “Kim is a plus defender at multiple positions in the infield. In 152 games, Kim hit .260/.351/.398 with 17 home runs and 38 doubles. Trading him would be less damaging than giving up Soto, but would be more difficult than parting ways with Grisham.”
In the end, it’s likely that San Diego, which has spent so heavily recently that it has had to borrow money, will need to make a trade in order to stabilize financially. But this year’s