It's weird that Dodgers and Kim Ha-sung don't want it. It's on the real shopping list. Do you eat rice with Ohtani
Dec 22, 2024
|
The LA Dodgers were once again mentioned as Kim Ha-sung's likely destination. This time, it's not just the prospect of the American media. A source familiar with the Dodgers' internal situation said Kim Ha-sung is on the Dodgers' shopping list.
The Athletic, a U.S. sports media, first mentioned Kim Ha-sung as one of the leading candidates, reporting on the 22nd (Korea Standard Time) that the Dodgers are looking for a way to reinforce right-handed hitters. The Dodgers are continuing negotiations with slugger Teoscar Hernandez (32), whose one-year FA contract ended this year, while also looking at new faces. One of them is Kim Ha-sung.
The Athletic said potential options include the trade of FA infielder Kim Ha-sung, Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki, 30, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., 27, and others, according to sources familiar with the Dodgers' internal situation.
He evaluated Kim Ha-sung as the most interesting candidate for recruitment in terms of major league experience, age, and price competitiveness.
The Athletic is 'Juss plans to turn Mookie Betts (32) back to shortstop, so the team needs more outfielders than infielders. However, Kim Ha-sung has a very talented defense, and if he recovers from a right shoulder injury that he underwent surgery, he will occupy a central infield spot. According to a source familiar with Kim Ha-sung's market situation, other clubs are also considering Kim Ha-sung as a candidate to reinforce the second baseman or shortstop. Kim Ha-sung is aiming to return to injury early next season. The Dodgers can use Betts as shortstop, and use Tommy Edman (29) or Gavin Lux (27) as second baseman until Kim Ha-sung is ready. They may also trade Lux'
In terms of price competitiveness, Kim Ha-sung is also ahead of Hernandez. Kim Ha-sung was expected to win at least $100 million (about 144.9 billion won) in contracts when he won the Gold Glove for the first time as an Asian infielder last year and qualified as a preliminary FA this year. However, the shoulder injury affected the ransom, and now it is widely expected that Kim Ha-sung will seek to re-enter the FA by signing a one-year short-term contract or signing a contract with an opt-out clause. The Athletic predicted the size of Kim Ha-sung's contract at $36 million (about 52.1 billion won) for two years.
|
|
If health is guaranteed, Kim Ha-sung once again emphasized that it is a very attractive card for the Dodgers.
The Athletic said: "'Kim Ha-sung won the Gold Glove for Utilities at the San Diego Padres in 2023, and it's hard to imagine the Dodgers don't want him, who was healthy. If Betts stays as an infielder, Edman will play center field, and he will compete with Michael Confoto (31), Chris Taylor (34), Andy Pazs (24), and James Outman (27).
On the 18th, the U.S. media 'Blitzer Report' selected the Dodgers as the most suitable destination for Kim Ha-sung. The media expected Kim Ha-sung to sign a short-term contract with the Dodgers for 14 million dollars per year (about 20.2 billion won).
Bleacher Report says 'Dodgers president Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts are very fond of players with flexible positions. This is especially true if the player can be recruited when his value is low. San Diego fans won't want to hear it, but Kim Ha-sung is perfect for the Dodgers.'
Kim Ha-sung entered the Major League through the posting system, signing a four-year, $28 million contract with San Diego ahead of the 2021 season. Kim Ha-sung, who has been the main player since 2022, has grown into the most beloved player, with San Diego fans calling his name the loudest every game. His overall performance in the four seasons of the Major League is 540 games, a batting average of 0.242 (418 hits in 1725 at-bats), 47 homers, 78 steals, 200 RBIs, 229 runs, and an OPS of 0.706.
In the past, the Dodgers became a popular team in Korea with Korean major leaguers Park Chan-ho (1994-2001), Choi Hee-seop (2004-2005), Seo Jae-eung (2006), and Ryu Hyun-jin (2013-2019), and ahead of this season, they raised their stock prices further by recruiting superstar Shohei Ohtani (30) as a 10-year total of $700 million (about 1.146 trillion won). Will Ohtani and Kim Ha-sung be able to watch them play on the ground together in Dodgers uniforms next season.
|
Reporter Kim Min-kyung rina1130@sportschosun.com
rina1130@sportschosun.com
