"Kim Hye-sung, how about the Yankees leadoff? It's not Kim Ha-sung." It was recommended as the No. 1 U.S. media, highlighting on-base and mobility

Nov 29, 2024

Kim Ha-seo smiles at the 2024 KBO Awards held at Lotte Hotel World on the 26th. Jamsil = Reporter Heo Sang-wook wook@sportschosun.com

The Major League website introduces Kim Ha-sung and Sasaki Rocky on the main page on the 27th (Korea time). Photo =MLB.com Capture

Local media's interest in Kim Hye-sung, who is set to post in the Major League in early December, is increasing.

After receiving the second baseman's defense award at the KBO awards ceremony on the 26th (Korea time), Kim Hye-sung told reporters, `I can't go to all major leagues just because I want to go, but I really want to go. After the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., I intend to apply for a posting system and move to the U.S. "

Then, the next day, MLB.com spotlighted Kim Ha-sung in an article titled 'A fast KBO star prepares to enter the FA market' The media outlet said, "'Kim Ha-sung is the best hitter in the KBO and told reporters yesterday that his team will be posting soon."'That means he's going into the MLB free agent market. Kim Ha-sung said there will be an official announcement after Thanksgiving, according to the report.

At the same time, the Seattle Mariners were pointed out as a club that could recruit Kim Hye-sung. Seattle has only a batting average of 0.209 and an OPS of 0.658 for second basemen this year, so it can pay attention to Kim Hye-sung, who has all the skills of offense and defense.

And on the 29th, another media outlet evaluated Kim Hye-sung as suitable for the New York Yankees' roster.

Kim Hye-sung. Sports Chosun DB

Fan media Fanside first mentioned Kim Hye-sung in an article titled '3 FA that the New York Yankees have to sign' Reporter Jacob Mountains, who wrote the article, said, "'Kim Hye-sung is a different player from the San Diego Padres' FA Kim Ha-sung, the best defender in Korea.' He won the KBO Golden Glove over the past three years, and he will be welcomed if he goes to the Yankees, who have shown a lot of things to fix in defense this year."

At the same time, he introduced Kim Hye-sung's KBO performance in detail. Kim Hye-sung batted .304 with an on-base percentage of 0.364 over eight years with the Kiwoom Heroes, and marked seven consecutive seasons with 20 steals or more, including 46 in 2021. This year, he posted a slash line of 0.326/0.383/0.458, 11 home runs, and 30 steals. In particular, it has a 16.3% strikeout rate in 3,819 at-bats, resulting in positive evaluations of contact heating.

Fansaid 'Kim Hye-sung has good speed, with a shocking steal success rate of 92% in 2021, and made 30 attempts this season. After emphasizing his mobility that his career steal success was 211 out of 248 (85 percent)', he evaluated that `On base ability and speed make him an outstanding leadoff as Yankees players do not have except Anthony Wolfie.'

As Kim Hye-sung said, KBO will officially apply for Kim Ha-sung's posting to MLB at the request of Kiwoom, and the process is expected to begin in early December. The negotiation period is 30 days and negotiations can be made with all 30 clubs.

Kiwoom-KIA match held at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on September 6th. Kim Hye-sung meets Kim Do-young and encourages her during cleaning time after the 5th inning. Gwangju = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com

jhno@sportschosun.com