I'm right in front of the spring camp…"Kim Ha-sung is not allowed to play in the opening game." Was this why he didn't sign a contract
I'm right in front of the spring camp…"Kim Ha-sung is not allowed to play in the opening game." Was this why he didn't sign a contract
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Contrary to the prediction that Kim Ha-sung will be popular in the free contract market due to his strong performance in the San Diego Padres, it was reported that the reason why he remains an uncontracted player even with the impending spring camp is due to his physical condition.메이저사이트
MLB Network quoted a source on the 16th (Korea Standard Time) and predicted that Kim Ha-sung will miss the opening game of the 2025 season.
MLB Network reporter John Morosi said, "Kim Ha-sung's participation could be in May, not April."
Kim Ha-sung suffered a torn cartilage in his right shoulder during the game in August last year.
San Diego pushed for rehabilitation to take advantage of Kim Ha-sung in the postseason, but was diagnosed with the need for surgery. Kim Ha-sung finished the season early, getting on the operating table in October. His final score was 0.233 with an OPS of 0.700 and 11 home runs. He fell below his batting average of 0.260, OPS of 0.749, and 17 home runs in the 2023 season.
It was predicted that Kim Ha-sung could stay in San Diego and play one season in 2025 for an annual salary of $8 million, but Kim Ha-sung challenged the FA market. He was confident that there would be a lot of demand because he was recognized for his defense with his gold glove in 2023 and could play all infield positions except for the first baseman.
In fact, Kim Ha-sung was listed as one of the top sellers in the free agent market. CBS Sports in the U.S. placed Kim Ha-sung 14th among the FA players, the second among the infielders after Willy Adames.
MLB.com said, "Kim Ha-sung does not display strong attack strength, but he is in a premium position and shows excellent defense. He runs well on the base. He never gets in a hurry when hitting a ball. He has patience. He also maintains contact capabilities. He has enough power to hit double-digit home runs."
However, he also predicted that the actual contract could be delayed due to the shoulder condition. "Given Kim Ha-sung's shoulder condition, he could sign a short-term contract. Even if he signs a long-term contract, chances are high that it will not reach the same scale as power heater Willy Adames. However, once Kim Ha-sung becomes healthy, he will be able to play as other FA players," the media predicted.
CBS Sports analyzed, "Given the uncertainty surrounding Kim Ha-sung's injury, such as when he will be able to play and whether he will be able to play properly, we can consider a short-term contract," adding, "He is still young, so if he spends the 2025 season healthy, he can win a good contract as an FA player next offseason."
Nevertheless, there is also a considerable prospect that Kim Ha-sung will win a long-term contract.
AJ Piedzinski, a former Major League All-Star catcher and current commentator, said, "The Yankees need a second baseman," and praised right-handed Kim Ha-sung, saying, "He can do a lot. He can steal a lot with his fast feet and his defense is excellent."
"Kim Ha-sung is the perfect player for the Yankees," he said.
The New York Yankees are looking for a new second baseman as former second baseman Gleyber Torres transferred to the Detroit Tigers as an FA.
In addition, U.S. baseball media Just Baseball predicted the Atlanta Braves as its destination, ranking Kim Ha-sung sixth among the remaining free agents.
The media predicted, "Kim Ha-sung will sign a five-year, $60 million contract with Atlanta."