Kim Ha-sung's possibility that SD will give up mutual options first in halving the ransom ↑ and the general manager "I hope to remain.", she said

Oct 23, 2024

AJ Prelor, head of the San Diego Padres, is interviewing ahead of the first game of the wild-card series against the Atlanta Braves on the 2nd (Korea time). AFP Yonhap News

Kim Ha-sung is known to be highly likely to give up his mutual options and go to the market next year. USATODAY Yonhap News

The San Diego Padres have begun a full-fledged review of Kim Ha-sung's mutual option next year.

Kim Ha-sung set 2025 as a mutual option when he signed a four-year contract with Kim Ha-sung, who was posted in December 2020. Annual salaries were $5 million, $6 million, $7 million, and $8 million this year, with a buyout of $2 million for mutual options. This means that the four-year guarantee is $28 million.

The annual salary for mutual options in 2025 varies from local media to local media. MLB.com reports $10 million, MLBTR reports $7 million, and San Diego Union-Tribune reports $8 million, respectively. Regardless of the amount, it is highly likely that Kim Ha-sung will reject mutual options and go to the market.

First, the club must decide whether to implement this option. The deadline is within five days after the end of the World Series. The World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees will run from the 26th (hereinafter Korean time) to November 3 if it goes to Game 7.

When San Diego notifies whether or not to execute mutual options, Kim Ha-sung can answer. If the club does it, Kim Ha-sung can decide whether to choose or not, and if he gives up, Kim Ha-sung will acquire FA qualification as it is.

Kim Ha-sung is being replaced after injuring his shoulder in the top of the third inning against Colorado on August 19 (Korea time). AFP Yonhap News

Kim Ha-sung was selected as a player to be offered a qualifying offer until he injured his shoulder. AP Yonhap News

The point San Diego is concerned about is Kim Ha-sung's shoulder condition. Kim Ha-sung, who injured his right shoulder while returning to the opponent's right-hander Bradley Blaylock's surprise check after hitting a hit in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 19, was eventually placed on the injured list (IL), and although he made efforts to return, he was unable to throw to first base properly and underwent surgery. The examination revealed a fine rupture of the shoulder.

The medical rehabilitation period is known to be 6-8 months, but there is no time for the San Diego club or Kim Ha-sung to return to the media. However, the San Diego Union-Tribune predicts that it will be from mid-to-late April to early May next year. As a result, the prevailing analysis is that Kim Ha-sung's market value has fallen significantly.

Kim Ha-sung's ransom, measured by The Athletic before this season, was between $130 million and $15 million for seven years. But now it has plummeted to less than $100 million. Spotrac, a website specializing in annual salary, presents Kim Ha-sung's market value at $49 million for four years.

Amid this complex trend, Kim Ha-sung changed his agent to Scott Boras. This can be interpreted as a willingness to target the FA market soon. Most local media believe that Kim Ha-sung will reject the mutual option and sign with the club that will go to the market and give him the right price. Given that it is difficult to play early next season, some predict that it is likely to sign a one-year contract and grant the right to opt out after the season.

I'm curious about the San Diego club's position right now. On the 22nd, a day after falling to his knees with 2 wins and 3 losses in the division series against the Dodgers, general manager AJ Prelor expressed his thoughts on Kim Ha-sung through an interview on the season's settlement.

He said "Kim Ha-sung is a valuable player with ability. We'd love him to stay. The offseason has begun, so we'll see what happens."Next season, we'll definitely have a shortstop. It has to be resolved. Kim Ha-sung is likely to start the spring training throwing program next year" he said.

If Kim Ha-sung leaves San Diego, Xander Bogaerts will continue to take charge of the shortstop. USATODAY Yonhap News

MLB.com said, `Kim Ha-sung, who is now 29 years old, is an elite shortstop and valuable player for hitting. The demand for his ability will be high' and predicted that even if he doesn't return, Xander Bogaerts, who returned to shortstop after being second baseman at the beginning of the season, is the most likely alternative to Kim Ha-sung. In other words, if Kim Ha-sung leaves, Bogaerts will continue to take charge of shortstop.

General manager Preller said there is no possibility that Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr., who are former shortstop and watching the outfield, will return to shortstop again. He said "We can discuss and they'll do anything if they need to, but Tatis got an outfielder Gold Glove, and Jackson did a great job this year as a center fielder."

Some predict that San Diego will give up its mutual options altogether.

Fan media Praise on Base reported on the 23rd that `Kim Ha-sung may be rehabilitated until May, June, or July next year. There is a possibility that he will return early, but his contract situation is very complicated because there is no set schedule at this time,' he said, adding that given the timing of his unknown return and the price he will receive next season, it is more realistic that San Diego will not execute the option.'

If San Diego gives up its mutual option, Kim Ha-sung will become an automatic FA, and in that case, it should be considered that he will not be offered a qualifying offer (QO) of $21.05 million. It's simply a breakup with San Diego.