“The value may fall to the point where short-term contracts are considered.”
Multiple local media, including the U.S. Major League Trade Rumors (MLBTR), reported on the 13th (Korea time) that Kim Ha-sung had a right shoulder joint warp surgery under the guidance of Dr. Neil Elatrice.
Even before the start of this season, Kim Ha-sung’s popularity was sky-high. In the first season of his debut, he did not show his appearance in the KBO League at all due to the adaptation of big league pitchers to fastballs, but he was selected as the final candidate for the Gold Glove in the National League shortstop category by successfully jumping to the starting shortstop in the 2022 season, and after moving to second base last year, he spent his best season on offense and reached the peak of his career in the utility category with “golden gloves.”
In particular, since the end of the 2022 season, when Kim Ha-sung was first selected as a candidate for the National League Gold Glove, he has always been listed as a strong trade candidate for teams in need of infielders. And before this season, he also received attention from as many as 17 clubs. There may be a regret in terms of offense, but the defense was inferior to the highest level in the Major League. In particular, the quick foot that could steal the second base at any time was “Dum.”
Due to this performance, local media in the U.S. predicted that Kim Ha-sung could have a contract worth more than $100 million, but for now, Kim Ha-sung has not been in a very advantageous position in the FA market. The reason is because of the injury. In August, after successfully getting on base against the Colorado Rockies, he suffered a right shoulder injury while returning to the checkpoint through headfirst sliding. At the time, Kim Ha-sung complained of pain so severe that he threw a helmet and threw out a swear word, and at the same time, he couldn’t calm down his anger.
According to multiple local media at the time, Kim Ha-sung’s injury did not appear to be serious. Therefore, San Diego also did not move to the injured list (IL) immediately after Kim Ha-sung was injured. Even when Kim Ha-sung moved to the injured list, coach Mike Shildt only said, “There is no need to hurry.” In particular, he even hinted at the possibility of returning to the big league in September when the expansion entry will be held. 메이저놀이터
However, at the end of the regular season, the atmosphere strangely flowed. This is because Kim Ha-sung’s return began to be delayed day after day, even though the entry was expanded. The biggest problem was defense. The fact that he couldn’t make a proper throw due to the aftermath of his shoulder injury. In the end, Kim Ha-sung failed to return to the big league ground until the end of the season and failed to join the postseason entry. Then news of the surgery spread, and on the 13th, he underwent a shoulder joint warp surgery based on the conduction of Dr. Neil Elatrice.
Then, what will happen to Kim Ha-sung in the future? Kim Ha-sung joined hands with Scott Boras, dubbed the “devil’s agent,” even when the surgery was confirmed. Kim Ha-sung and San Diego have mutual (mutual agreement) option for the 2025 season, but the fact that they appointed a U.S. agent clearly suggests that they may not stay in San Diego but leave in search of a new destination. However, the timing of his return is very ambiguous. The San Diego Union-Tribune predicted that Kim Ha-sung will return to Korea in late April or early May 2025.
“MLBTR” said, “Kim Ha-sung aims to return in late April or early May. If that trend can be maintained, Kim Ha-sung will be able to play most of next season,” but added, “Kim Ha-sung, who turns 29 next week, is now the most dangerous but interesting player among FA players. Kim Ha-sung is still likely to reject the mutual option. San Diego can offer Kim Ha-sung a qualifying offer (QO) of $21.5 million (about 28.4 billion won), but it can be a dangerous decision considering the recovery of shoulder surgery.”
In the end, it is highly likely that Kim Ha-sung will leave San Diego. “MLBTR” said, “The qualifying offer will be decided within five days after the World Series ends. San Diego has only three weeks to check on Kim Ha-sung’s health. And it seems unlikely that San Diego will take that gamble. If that happens, Kim Ha-sung will also become an FA player,” he said. “Willie Adames is the only starting shortstop in the FA market right now. However, Kim Ha-sung also showed that he can play plus defense at second and third bases, so he will be suitable for many teams.”
“MLBTR” explains that if he recovers well, there will be many clubs that will covet Kim Ha-sung. On the contrary, however, if the recovery is slow, Kim Ha-sung’s value may fall to the bottom. The media said, “Kim Ha-sung’s shoulder condition will play an important role in the FA. However, if the club believes that he will fully recover within the first month or two months of the 2025 season, this will not affect Kim Ha-sung’s demand much,” but added, “This is a big warning, so Kim Ha-sung’s evaluation could fall to the point where a short-term contract is considered.”
