Second baseman Kim Ha-sung's shortstop Betts LAD recommended a dream-like Keystone duo. Murik is likely to sign a one-year contract with the Dodgers
Dec 23, 2024
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Ken Rosenthal, a renowned reporter for The Athletic, who delivers Major League news, said on the 22nd (Korea time)In an article titled 'Juss is reviewing right-handed batter alternatives to FA Teoscar Hernandez', he argued that if the Dodgers fail to catch Hernandez, Kim Ha-sung could be chosen as an alternative.
Rosenthal said the Dodgers are exploring a number of interesting right-handed alternatives as negotiations with FA Teoscar Hernandez have stalled. Sources familiar with the Dodgers say that FA Kim Ha-sung, Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki on the trade market, and Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. are emerging as alternatives.
The Dodgers were initially confident of re-signing Hernandez. Hernandez also expressed his desire to remain with the Dodgers at the World Series championship event. But things have changed recently. When Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets on the biggest terms in history, Hernandez, the same outfielder, became greedy.
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However, Hernandez's ransom, which was predicted by leading local media at the beginning of the FA market, is $66 million for three years by ESPN, $69 million for three years by The Athletic, and $72 million for three years by FanGraphs. Most predicted around $70 million for three years. In a way, it can be said that the Dodgers set Hernandez's value low from the beginning.
Rosenthal commented on Kim Ha-sung 'He could possibly be the most interesting power reinforcement. Since the Dodgers said they would return Mookie Betts to shortstop, they need players in the outfield rather than the infield, but Kim Ha-sung, who underwent surgery for his right shoulder, said he is a natural player who can see all of the positions in the middle of the infield when he returns from rehabilitation.
The Dodgers have a plan to use Betts, the main right fielder, as shortstop next year. That's what I know. Betts started 61 games as shortstop this season, suffered a fracture in his left hand in mid-June, and returned to right field in August. He will return to shortstop next year. Although Kim Ha-sung's main position is a shortstop, it means that if he returns healthy, he can be used evenly not only as a shortstop but also as a second baseman and third baseman.
Rosenthal said, `Other clubs have Kim Ha-sung in mind as a second baseman or shortstop, and he aims to return early next season.'Juss can use Betts as shortstop and Tommy Edman and Gavin Lux as second basemen until Kim Ha-sung returns. Lux explained the scenario, saying, 'Trading is possible as well.
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Rosenthal is 'It's hard to imagine that Juss doesn't want healthy Kim Ha-sung, who won Gold Glove for Utilities at the 2023 San Diego Padres, as a shortstop'He is a strong prospect of going to the Dodgers.
For the Dodgers, if Kim Ha-sung is brought in, not only the infield but also the outfield can expand their management. Betts will start the season as shortstop for now, but when Kim Ha-sung comes in, he can go back to the outfield. At this time, if Edman sees center field and Lux remains at second base, a more stable internal and external field formation can be formed.
In response, the fan media Dodgers Nation 'Kim Ha-sung will expand his infield operations to the Dodgers in much more diverse ways. Betts decided to play shortstop, but if he is sluggish early in the season, Kim Ha-sung can replace it immediately. Kim Ha-sung can also be used as a second baseman option. 'Kim Ha-sung may have to sign a one-year contract. No team is more ideal than the Dodgers in proving their worth before going back to the FA market next offseason.
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jhno@sportschosun.com
