Kim Ha-sung (29), who signed a four-year guarantee of $28 million with San Diego ahead of the 2021 season, strongly proved that his investment in him for four years was not in vain. Until the time he joined the team, there were criticisms that it was a “double investment,” but Kim Ha-sung’s excellent defense and wide utilization were a strong asset of the San Diego infield.
In his four years in San Diego, Kim Ha-sung showed the league’s average level of offense compared to his competitive position, above-average focus, and the highest level of defense seen in the 2023 National League Utility Gold Glove Award. Kim Ha-sung, who played as a shortstop in his original position as well as a second and third baseman, has played more time than any other San Diego infielder in 540 games over the past four years and showed off his true value with a batting average of 0.242, an on-base percentage of 0.326, 47 homers, 200 RBIs, 78 steals, 229 runs, and OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 0.706.
While failing to complete the season due to an unexpected shoulder injury at the end of the 2024 season, Kim Ha-sung failed to say a proper goodbye to his teammates who went out to the postseason. The possibility of Kim Ha-sung staying in San Diego for at least another year has also become slim. The execution of the option, which was called the “prelude” to the San Diego stay, did not go as expected. Kim Ha-sung had a mutual option worth $8 million in 2025. As there is an analysis that Kim Ha-sung’s annual value is at least $10 million, San Diego was very interested in this option. However, Kim Ha-sung clearly conveyed his intention not to implement this option after the end of the World Series, and now he is on the free agent market.
Kim Ha-sung receives a buyout of 2 million dollars if he refuses the mutual option. He could have earned an additional 6 million dollars just by signing the contract, but he gave it up coolly. Of course, Kim Ha-sung’s side might have calculated that it would be able to win more than this amount if it goes to the market, and in fact, all stakeholders do not doubt it. The key is how much he can receive. It is hard to imagine a contract worth less than 10 million dollars per year.
San Diego can now offer Kim Ha-sung a qualifying offer (compensated FA player qualification). The qualifying offer amount in 2025 based on the average of the top 125 players in the Major League is expected to be around $21.05 million. However, it is unclear whether San Diego, which has a clear stance to reduce team payrolls, is already spending huge amounts on several players, and has a lot of money to spend in the future, will offer this offer to Kim Ha-sung. For Kim Ha-sung, it is beneficial to win a multi-year contract when he is young even at a young age. Rather than $21.05 million per year, it is better to continue the stability of his career with a contract of four to five years even if the average annual amount is less than $20 million.
The Major League’s official website (MLB.com ) said on the 4th (Korea time) that “striker Kim Ha-sung will become a free agent after rejecting an $8 million mutual option with the San Diego Padres.” “Kim Ha-sung, who spent the past four seasons in San Diego, will receive a $2 million buyout,” the team said. “This move is not very surprising. Kim Ha-sung underwent surgery to repair a joint rupture in his right shoulder and could miss the start of the 2025 season. However, he is a 29-year-old shortstop with a decent bat and elite gloves. “Kim Ha-sung is likely to sign a multi-year contract in the free agent market.” Meanwhile, the prevailing assessment is that Kim Ha-sung is still attractive in the FA market. The Major League’s official website (MLB.com ) selected the “TOP 25” as the most valuable FA player at the present time while dealing with the FA market, which began in earnest on the 4th (Korea Standard Time). In this ranking, Kim Ha-sung ranked 17th overall. He was second to Willy Adames, who ranked 8th overall in shortstop position. In recent years, the Major League FA market has literally been in the era of “big shortstop,” and shortstop representing the league moved teams or signed long-term contracts for a large amount of ransom. However, that period has passed, and this year’s market situation is favorable to Kim Ha-sung.
Regarding putting Kim Ha-sung in 17th place, MLB.com said, “Kim Ha-sung missed the last six weeks of the season due to a right shoulder injury, and is expected to end his four-year journey in San Diego,” and predicted, “Kim Ha-sung, the 2023 Gold Glove winner, is the second best shortstop for sale this offseason, and if his shoulder problem is resolved, there will be a team to court.” 토토사이트
Kim Ha-sung’s injury to his right shoulder while sliding during the process of returning to the base at the end of the season could also affect the FA market. Kim Ha-sung tried hard to return, but in the end, he failed to increase the throwing intensity and underwent surgery. Officials say that Kim Ha-sung’s surgery went very well, but it is not easy to wait for the opening game next year. Major League clubs will be watching this situation closely. However, there are not many FA shortstop suitable for the market. If San Diego does not offer a qualifying offer to Kim Ha-sung, this could also be a boon. This is because the problem of compensation disappears.
MLB.com selected the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants as Kim’s likely destinations. These teams all have some problems with shortstop, or the Keystone duo. Atlanta, which ended the fall in vain this year, has an All-Star player at second base named Ajie Albies. However, her contract ends with the 2025 season. It remains to be seen whether Atlanta will be able to catch Albies. Shortstop Orlando Garcia also played well as his starting role for the team, but his contract will end in 2025. Atlanta may need a long-term plan for the Keystone duo.
Boston also has good infielders at corners, including third base, which is guarded by star Raphael Devers. However, the problem of second and shortstop continues.
