Major League Baseball’s (MLB) interest in Kim Hye-sung (25) is growing.
MLB.COM, the official website of MLB, said, “The Seattle Mariners are one of the teams showing interest in KBO League star Kim Hye-sung. Seattle, which is seeking to strengthen its second base, can find the answer overseas.” MLB network John Morosi also said on his personal social media (SNS), “Seattle has been one of the teams that has closely evaluated Kim Hye-sung.” Morosi predicted, “Other teams that need second baseman, such as the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels, can also start recruiting Kim Hye-sung.”
Kim Hye-sung’s name has frequently appeared in the U.S. sports media since the MLB Stove League began. Referring to him as one of the KBO League players seeking to advance to MLB on the 1st, MLB.COM said, “We are paying attention to him as a second baseman and a team that needs a utility player.”
Kim Hye-sung played in the “Seoul Series Special Match” against the LA Dodgers as a member of Team Korea (KBO League All-Star) in March and made a strong impression by making pitcher Bobby Miller’s 157km/h fastball double to the right. MLB.COM also introduced that LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left a comment saying, “Our scouts liked Kim (Kim Hye-sung).”
MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR), which reports on the transfer market, announced the 50th place in the Stove League Free Agent (FA) rankings on the 5th, putting Kim Hye-sung in 26th place. “The MLB market does not reward second baseman high, but Kim Hye-sung is only 25 years old and has the athletic ability to play shortstop, so he will be able to attract the attention of the team that wants this position.” 스포츠토토
MLBTR’s internal discussion predicted that the contract size was $24 million (33.5338 million won) for three years. The amount guaranteed four years ago when Kim Ha-sung signed with the San Diego Padres was $28 million (based on four years). In other words, Kim Hye-sung can sign a contract for a higher amount than Kim Ha-sung on an annual average basis.
MLBTR also cited Seattle, the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox as Kim Hye-sung’s destinations. He also stressed again that teams that need infielders are suitable players who can be recruited at a reasonable price. At a time when they have not yet applied for posting (closed competitive bidding), quite generous evaluation continues.
Kim Hye-sung, who received military service after leading Korea to win the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, was discharged from the military on the 7th after completing basic military drills for three weeks. He is expected to set a detailed posting schedule with agency CAA Stella Korea before departing for the U.S. for negotiations.
Initially, there were predictions that Kim Ha-sung and Willy Adames would move after watching the progress of contracts with proven infielders. A CAA official said, “We haven’t decided on the date yet, but the posting application time will not be later than last year’s Lee Jung-hoo.” Lee applied for posting on November 24 last year.
