The existing shortstop is so terrible! "Kim Ha-sung, perfect for Atlanta", 'Tough Demographic Evidence' - U.S. Media

Oct 24, 2024

Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia. AFP Yonhap News

Kim Ha-sung is likely to give up his mutual option with the San Diego Padres next year and go to the market.

ImagesYonhap News

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.

The Bleacher Report (BR) placed Kim Ha-sung in 6th place on the 24th (Korea time) '2024-2025 Free Agent Batter Rankings: 10 People, including Juan Soto'.

San Diego and Kim Ha-sung have mutual options for 2025 next year. Optional salaries vary from local media to local media, with MLB.com reporting $10 million, 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 mutual options 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 the WAR is impressive, but there is no problem in signing a four-year contract for an eight-digit average annual salary (AAV)," adding, "'Atlanta has a roster composition that perfectly suits Kim Ha-sung.'"

BR went on to add that `In addition to Atlanta, the New York Yankees, the San Francisco Giants and at least 10 other teams would like to have a player's career like Kim Ha-sung.'

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

Orando Arcia's offensive division figures have plummeted this season. It's not that he has excellent defense and mobility. AP Yonhap News

He played in 157 games this season and recorded a batting average of 0.218 (120 hits in 551 at-bats), 17 homers, 46 RBIs, 50 runs scored, and an OPS of 0.625. Last year, he had a career high with a batting average of 0.264 (129 hits in 488 at-bats), 17 homers, 65 RBIs and an OPS of 0.741. In other words, it has experienced a sharp decline this year. However, it does not mean that there is anything to appeal in mobility and defense.

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 same day 'Padris shortstop Kim Ha-sung will receive a huge number of offers for recruitment ahead of the 2025 season. It is certain that the Braves will be included in those teams. Kim Ha-sung is a very good team. (Existing shortstop) Orlando Arcia was disappointed this year.

In the statistics section, Kim Ha-sung also recorded an OPS of 0.706 in total, but since he is a contact heater, the figure will be forgotten quickly. 'He is an incredibly reliable defender with an OAA (out-of-average) of 4 in 121 games this year. On the offensive side, the rate of being deceived by the manned ball (18.6%), the strikeout rate (16.4%), the swing rate (15.9%), and the walk rate (12.3%) are all excellent. Atlanta wants a player who doesn't strike out well and gets on base well. Kim Ha-sung mentioned that he can provide that ability without sacrificing his defense.

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

Kim Ha-sung injured his shoulder against Colorado on August 19 (Korea time) and is being replaced. AFP Yonhap News

However, it is an important variable in negotiations that the timing of returning 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 opt-out rights after one season on a two- to three-year contract is more likely. Kim Ha-sung's agent Scott Boras signed a number of contracts last winter.

jhno@sportschosun.com

The existing shortstop is so terrible! "Kim Ha-sung, perfect for Atlanta", 'Tough Demographic Evidence' - U.S. Media

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