The higher a player’s value, the more likely there are transfer rumors. Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres), who has improved his offensive ability in the 2023 season, is being mentioned even before the Major League Baseball (MLB) Stove League opens.

Ha-seong Kim recorded a batting average of 0.260, 17 home runs, 60 RBI, 84 runs, and 38 stolen bases in the 2023 season. He had MLB career highs in all categories. Last season, he served as San Diego’s starting shortstop and was named one of the three finalists for the Gold Glove Award due to his excellent defense. Even his performance at the plate has improved this season. He rose from the bottom of the batting order to batting leadoff (No. 1). He suffered from poor physical condition, including abdominal pain, in September, but until then, he was the mainstay of San Diego’s attack. He is also likely to win the second base Gold Glove award this season.

There was a prediction that Kim Ha-seong could be traded this winter. MLB Trade Rumors noted that Ha-seong Kim is approaching the final year of his four-year contract (2024). He also analyzed that there would be many other teams that would want him as his stock price has risen. He also mentioned that there is an alternative second baseman named Jake Cronenworth, and that it is time for the team’s most promising infielder, Jackson Merrill, to enter the big leagues.안전놀이터

Ha-seong Kim was embroiled in trade rumors last winter. This is because he signed San Diego’s biggest free agent, shortstop, Xander Bogaerts.

In an interview with this magazine last December, Ha-seong Kim said, “I know that there were many stories in the media, but I didn’t pay attention to them because my agent or the club didn’t talk to me directly.” He continued, “Because San Diego is a team aiming for the top, we will take various steps to strengthen our power. “I just need to focus on what I can do,” he said calmly.

Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres), who finished the Major League Baseball (MLB) season, is returning home to Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the afternoon of the 11th. 2023.10.11 yatoya@yna.co.kr

Ha-seong Kim expressed his thoughts that did not change even after returning to Korea on the 11th. Although his status has improved over the past year, he said, “With a trade, you don’t know what will happen. So I don’t care. “I’ll just prepare well for next season.”

San Diego’s total team salary for the 2023 season was $257 million (about 347 billion won). It ranked 3rd among 30 MLB teams. The effect compared to the investment was minimal. This season, they recorded only 82 wins and 80 losses and failed to advance to the postseason (PS).

San Diego general manager AJ Preller, who lived up to his nickname “Mad Man” with a whirlwind of recruiting last winter, is also considering cost reductions this winter. There is a high possibility that a new game will be created using players with high skill and value. While KBO League representative icon Lee Jeong-hoo is entering the MLB, Kim Ha-seong’s future is also receiving great attention.