The future of Korean major leaguer Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) has emerged as a hot potato in the transfer market. As the trade possibility raised from the end of the year materialized, the transfer rumor seems to be getting stronger.
Ha-seong Kim made his major league debut in 2021 in a San Diego uniform. Last year, he played 150 games, batting average of 0.251, 11 homers, 59 RBIs, and 58 points, and was nominated for the Gold Glove Award in the National League shortstop category.
Kim Ha-seong, who had been stably establishing himself in this way. 강남달토 But in the last month, his position has begun to falter. This is when San Diego acquired top-notch shortstop Xander Bogarts (31).
Bogatz is older than Kim Ha-seong, but is evaluated as an offensive shortstop who can record a batting average of 30% and around 20 homers every year. His career major league performance was 1264 games with a batting average of .292, 156 home runs, 683 RBIs and 752 runs scored. The unconventional condition of 280 million dollars for 11 years that San Diego gave to Bogatz proves the value of Bogatz instead.
As the infield situation changed, prospects began to emerge that Kim Ha-seong could change his uniform through a trade. Also, just in time, AJ Preller's San Diego general manager revealed in a recent interview with The Athletic that "another club inquired about Kim Ha-sung's trade," causing a stir.
First of all, the Boston Red Sox is the first team to be chosen as the next destination for Kim Ha-seong at this point. NBC Sports, USA, said on the 31st of last month, “Boston has been interested in Kim Ha-sung from the past. It is also the club that announced its intention to recruit Kim Ha-seong when he applied for the posting system at the end of 2020. If Ha-seong Kim, who has good defensive skills, joins, Trevor Story may take over as second baseman.” Locally, along with Boston, the names of the Atlanta Braves and the Minnesota Twins, which do not deserve a starting shortstop, are also being discussed.
Of course, the possibility of remaining in San Diego is not low. As long as Kim Ha-seong can also play as a second baseman, he can form a keystone combination with Bo Gatsu. Also, in order to trade, read more both sides must be right. How will Ha-seong Kim's future in the new year 2023 come to an end?