"Kim Ha-sung, if you're healthy, you're the best infielder in MLB."Connect with Ohtani's Dodgers
"Kim Ha-sung, if you're healthy, you're the best infielder in MLB."Connect with Ohtani's Dodgers
Blog Article
Infielder Kim Ha-sung (29), who is on the Major League Baseball (MLB) free agent market, is expected to head to the LA Dodgers, the winner of the 2024 World Series.
The U.S. media Sports Illustrated (SI) published an article on the 19th (Korea Standard Time) saying, "Dodgers has emerged as the best destination for FA Kim Ha-sung."
The media said, "Kim Ha-sung has shoulder surgery this year and cannot play in the early 2025 season, but if he is healthy, he is one of the best infielders in MLB."
"Kim Ha-sung, who received the Gold Glove Award in 2023, is likely to leave San Diego. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts likes players who are flexible in position. He is the perfect player for Dodgers."
In his four years in MLB, Kim Ha-sung played in a total of 540 games with a batting average of 0.242, 47 homers, 200 RBIs, 78 steals, and 0.706 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS).
He is a utility player who can see not only shortstop but also third and second basemen. He also played various positions in the San Diego Padres, displaying multiplayer ability. In 2023, he became the first Asian infielder to receive the Gold Glove in the National League utility category, demonstrating stable defense.
However, this season, he did not perform well on the operating table due to a shoulder injury during the game in August. Kim Ha-sung is focusing on rehabilitation with the goal of returning in April next year. 토토사이트
Kim Ha-sung of the San Diego Padres in the Major League (MLB) hits a three-run home run against San Francisco in the 2024 Major League Baseball at Petco Park in San Diego, California on the 1st (Korea time). ⓒ
According to SI, the Dodgers picked Mookie Betts as its starting shortstop for the 2025 season. Max Muncy is the third baseman. The Dodgers has not officially announced the second baseman, but so far, Gavin Lux is the most likely candidate.
"Kim Ha-sung will be a good choice to add infield flexibility," the media said. "If Betts suffers from shortstop, Kim Ha-sung may replace him after his return."
"Kim Ha-sung can also take charge of second baseman, and he played 106 times (as second baseman) when he won the Gold Glove in 2023," he added.
SI believed that Kim Ha-sung, who suffered an injury, is more likely to challenge the FA again after signing a short-term contract rather than a long-term contract. "Kim Ha-sung may sign a one-year contract to enter the FA market again due to his injuries this year," the media said. "Then the Dodgers will be the perfect team for Kim Ha-sung."