Existing shortstop is so bad! “Kim Ha-sung fits Atlanta perfectly,” “Tough demand evidence” U.S. media

San Diego Padres Kim Ha-sung, who is certain to choose FA after the end of the World Series, is said to be suitable for the Atlanta Braves, a powerhouse in the East, drawing keen attention.

The Bleacher Report (BR) placed Kim Ha-sung in sixth place in an article titled “2024-2025 Free Agent Batter Rankings: 10 People, including Juan Soto” on the 24th (Korea Standard Time).

San Diego and Kim Ha-sung have mutual options next year in 2025. Option salaries vary from local media to local media, with MLB.com reporting $10 million, Major League Trade-Rumors (MLBTR) and San Diego Union-Tribune reporting $8 million, and BR reporting $7 million, respectively. Regardless of the amount, it is highly likely that Kim Ha-sung will reject the mutual option and go to the market.
BR said, “Kim Ha-sung’s career OPS of 0.706 can have a big impact on each club as much as WAR is impressive, but there is no problem in signing a four-year contract with an eight-digit average annual salary (AAV),” adding, “Atlanta has a roster composition that perfectly suits Kim Ha-sung.”

BR added, “In addition to Atlanta, the New York Yankees, the San Francisco Giants, and at least 10 other teams are trying to reinforce the field, and they will want to have the same career as Kim Ha-sung.”

Atlanta has had a disappointing season this year, with calls from local media to replace shortstop Orlando Arcia with another shortstop.

He played in 157 games this season and recorded a batting average of 0.218 (120 hits in 551 times at bat), 17 homers, 46 RBIs, 50 runs scored, and an OPS of 0.625. Last year, he had a career-high batting average of 0.264 (129 hits in 488 times at bat), 17 homers, 65 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.741. He went through a sharp decline this year. Still, he has nothing to appeal to in terms of mobility and defense capability.

In other words, Arcia means Atlanta is a shortstop who is difficult to be with in the long run in the offense and defense.

In a related development, Atlanta fan media outlet HTHB (House That Hank Built) said on the day, “The Padres shortstop Kim Ha-sung will receive a tremendous number of offers ahead of the 2025 season. It is certain that the Braves will be included in such teams. Kim Ha-sung is a very good team. (Existing shortstop) Orlando Arcia was disappointed this year.”

“In terms of statistics, Kim Ha-sung has an OPS of 0.706, but since he is a contact heater, the figure will be forgotten quickly,” he said. “He is an incredibly reliable defender with an OAA (out-of-average) of 4 in 121 games this year. On the offensive side, he is excellent in all the percentage of being deceived by inducements (18.6%), strikeout rate (16.4%), swing rate (15.9%), and walk rate (12.3%). Atlanta wants a player who does not strike out well and gets on base well. Kim Ha-sung can provide such ability without sacrificing his defense.” 메이저사이트

This means Atlanta is a coveted player over the offense and defense.

However, it is an important variable in the negotiations that the timing of his return to next season is uncertain due to recent shoulder surgery. BR predicted the size of Kim Ha-sung’s contract to be $49 million for four years, but most local media believe that a deal that grants the right to opt out after one season on a two- to three-year contract is more likely. This is the form of a contract that Kim Ha-sung’s agent Scott Boras signed a number of last winter.

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