'Body won't listen' Kim Ha-sung will end up performing surgeryFA is going to be delayed by a year
Sep 29, 2024
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San Diego Padres Kim Ha-sung will eventually have shoulder surgery. San Diego manager Mike Shildt announced in an interview with local reporters on the 29th (Korea time) that `Kim Ha-sung will no longer play this year.'
It's a de facto season out. After getting on base with a hit against the Colorado Rockies on the 19th of last month, Kim Ha-sung was replaced as he felt pain in his right shoulder while returning to first base on the opponent's check ball. Later, at a hospital examination, Kim Ha-sung was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation.
Until the beginning, he expected to return to the ground soon because it was a minor injury, but his recovery was slower than expected. The reporters consistently asked questions about Kim Ha-sung's return and his physical condition, but the coach also failed to answer easily. Coach Shildt said "Kim Ha-sung has not been able to throw as much as he wanted yet" he explained only.
Eventually, Kim Ha-sung had shoulder surgery. In an interview with local media such as 'The Athletic', Kim Ha-sung said "I've tried really everything to come back and help the team, but my body is not keeping up with my mind. I had the opportunity to play in the postseason, and I'm really frustrated and disappointed because I could be a part of it."
"'The Athletic' is "Kim Ha-sung and San Diego thought the injury was not serious at first, but only later did they learn that their shoulders were torn. Kim Ha-sung eventually chose surgery and focused on restoring full health in the 2025 season."
Kim Ha-sung said "I've never had a shoulder injury before. This is the fourth season with San Diego. In the meantime, we fought together to reach the top of the World Series and made a lot of good memories. Now San Diego feels like a family to me. I think I have a chance to win this year. Although I can't be with the players in the stadium, I will cheer for our teammates with all my heart throughout the postseason game."
The key is his contract with San Diego. Kim Ha-sung signed a 4+1 year contract with San Diego as he entered the Major League at the end of the 2020 season. Four seasons ended, and he could have qualified as an FA, but shoulder surgery put things at a disadvantage. If the +1 option is implemented, Kim Ha-sung will continue to play for San Diego for an annual salary of $8 million in the 2025 season. In other words, he is choosing to re-take the FA. Although it has not been officially announced yet what choice the San Diego club and Kim Ha-sung will make, it is true that they will be at a disadvantage in many ways if they go to the FA market as they are on the operating table at the end of the season.
Kim Ha-sung, who was receiving high marks for his defense as an infield utility man. First of all, the dream of becoming an FA jackpot has been delayed for a while.
youll@sportschosun.com
