Will Kim Ha-sung go back to the market this winter? Major League media ‘MLB.com ‘ predicted that there is a high possibility of that.
MLB.com predicted Kim Ha-sung’s move while delivering the club news on the 22nd.
Kim Ha-sung, who agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with his previous team, the Tampa Bay Rays, has an opt-out clause on his 2026 season contract ($16 million).
사진 확대 Kim Ha-sung can opt out after this season. Photo = Getty Images/AFP= Courtesy of Yonhap News
It seemed unlikely that he would execute the opt-out even when he suffered a back injury even after his rehabilitation was delayed after his shoulder surgery in October last year.
However, the turnaround has taken place since he moved to Atlanta through a waivers claim in early September. He played as the main shortstop in 24 games and recorded a batting average of 0.253 on-base percentage of 0.316 slugging percentage of 0.368, three home runs and 12 RBIs. He also showed quality performance in defense.
Kim Ha-sung has shown his satisfaction with the new team, but this is truly the “area of business.”
MLB.com said, “The shortstop market is in recession this winter, and Kim Ha-sung has a record. Bobissett said, “The shortstop’s defensive ability will affect it, and Trevor Story is likely to remain with the Red Sox,” adding, “If Kim Ha-sung goes to the FA market, he could be considered the biggest shortstop.”
사진 확대 Kim Ha-sung has played as the main shortstop since his transfer to Atlanta. Photo = AP= Courtesy of Yonhap News
As the media said, Kim Ha-sung has successful experience in the Major League. It recorded bWAR 5.0 in the 2022 season and 5.4 in the 2023 season. In 2023, it won the Gold Glove in the Utilities category.
Just because he opts out doesn’t mean he’s breaking up with Atlanta. Atlanta needs shortstop, and when Kim Ha-sung goes to the market, he is likely to be the most active.
Atlanta could go first. Kim Ha-sung can execute the opt-out five days after the end of the World Series. Until then, Atlanta held the possession. This means that independent negotiations are possible.
Atlanta previously agreed to a multi-year contract after acquiring Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Raisel Iglesias in trade.
[San Francisco (USA) = KIM JAE HO, MK Sports Correspondent]