Ha-sung Kim underwent shoulder surgery, but he doesn't know when to return, "'SD won't do qualifying offers.'" U.S. media

Oct 12, 2024

San Diego Padres Kim Ha-sung is looking at the ground ahead of Game 2 of the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 7th (Korea time). ImagesYonhap News

Kim Ha-sung is being replaced by a shoulder injury while sliding to first base due to the opponent's surprise check after hitting a hit in the third inning against Colorado on August 19 (Korea time). AFP Yonhap News

With San Diego Padres Kim Ha-sung in rehabilitation after undergoing shoulder surgery, the FA negotiations are expected to be complicated this offseason as it is impossible to clearly determine when he will return to next season.

MLB.com reported on the 12th (Korea time) that 'Kim Ha-sung underwent surgery to seal a micro rupture of the right shoulder yesterday' and that 'Kim Ha-sung made all kinds of efforts to return after injuring his shoulder in mid-August, but his condition did not improve'

Kim Ha-sung injured his right shoulder while sliding to first base in a surprise check by opposing pitcher Bradley Blaylock after hitting a left-handed hit in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 19.

Initially, MRI examinations showed no structural abnormalities, so it was expected to be able to return after a five- to six-day break, but as the condition worsened, he was eventually listed as injured. Since then, he has moved with the team and tried to return to the camp in Arizona while preparing for the actual game, but he ended the season by making a decision on surgery after hearing a diagnosis of a ruptured wasp.

Kim Ha-sung did not separate from the team even while the team played the postseason. He was also seen watching the game with his teammates in the San Diego dugout, and he had surgery on the day before Game 5 of the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kim Ha-sung is with Darvish ahead of the first game of the wild card series against the Atlanta Braves on the 2nd (Korea time). AP Yonhap News

Kim Ha-sung's offseason schedule has not been set at this time. There's no clear period of rehabilitation after shoulder surgery This is because whether or not to implement a mutual option worth $8 million next year is also a matter of concern. Recently, it was interpreted that the reason for replacing the agent with Scott Boras was to find a smart answer to this part.

First of all, there are many prospects for giving up mutual options. MLB.com said `Kim Ha-sung and the Padres have mutual options in 2025, but Kim Ha-sung is likely to reject them.'

If so, it is going to the FA market, and there are many issues to deal with, such as how much valuation will be received in the market without even a rough rehabilitation period after shoulder surgery, whether the San Diego club will offer a qualifying offer (QO), and if so, whether it should accept it.

But the outlook is not bright. There has been no case of a player who underwent surgery ahead of the FA hitting the jackpot.

Major League Trade Rumors (MLBTR) reported the news of Kim Ha-sung's surgery on the same day and 'Kim Ha-sung's status is one of the important issues this offseason. The Padres did not mention the timing of Kim Ha-sung's return, saying it is unclear how long he will be on the injured list early next season. Kim Ha-sung underwent surgery at a brutal time when he had to reject mutual options and declare himself an FA. "If he is healthy, he is expected to be able to sign a contract that can earn him $15 million annually for four to five years,' he said.

The media then said 'Kim Ha-sung's market value has become much more difficult to accurately evaluate. Last summer, he was sure to refuse even if he received a QO. The Padres won't offer a QO if they're not sure he'll make a full recovery early next season. In the end, Kim Ha-sung is likely to be offered a short-term contract due to shoulder surgery. A one-year contract or a two-year contract that can exercise the opt-out after next season seems promising.

It should be said that shoulder surgery darkened Kim Ha-sung's future to exercise FA rights. After signing a one- to two-year contract as MLBTR's observation deck, it is likely to weigh in on a scenario that increases its value with a healthy body next season.