The temperature difference between the two. Sasaki is on a negotiation tour. What about Kim Hye-sung?
Dec 21, 2024
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The move of Korea-Japan 'Baseball Young Star', which is knocking on the door of the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) through the posting system, is polarizing.
One side is already on a 'Negotiation Tour' where they meet famous clubs one after another with great interest. The other side was mentioned several times in the local media at the beginning of the posting. It is questionable whether negotiations are being conducted properly. The presence has disappeared.
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The reason Kim Hye-sung is being treated coldly is the atmosphere of the stove league, which has cooled down exceptionally quickly this year. But this is not all. The more important reason is that Kim Hye-sung's position and stat itself are not very attractive.
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He was outstanding in defense, too. In 2021, he won his first career Golden Glove as a shortstop. Since then, he has changed his position to second baseman and won the Golden Glove in second baseman category for the third consecutive year from 2022 to this year. However, it is a story limited to '2nd base'. He was evaluated as not suitable as a shortstop due to his weak throwing ability. This is why he has been almost a built-in second baseman since 2022. He has very little experience as a third baseman.
In order to appeal to the Major League as an infielder, 'multi-position ability' is important. Or you have to take a completely superior offense and defense capability in one position. Kim Hye-sung's ability to airlift is all intermediate. It is difficult for MLB clubs to reach out. I fully understand that it's a "good player" but I'm not convinced that it's a "necessary player". Even if you have a good base running ability, it is an area that is activated only when you get on base in the game.
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Kim Hye-sung has about 15 days left (15 days). Negotiations should take place by January 4 next year. If there is no proper negotiation within this period, you have to pack up and come back. I don't have much time. Of course, Kim Ha-sung, a former Kiwoom senior and winner of the 2023 National League Utility Gold Glove, also signed a contract 25 days after the posting.
While Kim Hye-sung is in the cold wind in the stove league, Sasaki is busy adjusting the negotiation schedule. MLB clubs in need of starting pitchers are clamoring for each other to meet. Sasaki has plenty of room. After slowly meeting several clubs over time, you can choose the club that offers the highest number of posts, or the team you want to go to the most.
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In addition, Sasiki is a pitcher who throws an average of 96.9 miles per hour (about 156 kilometers per hour). The figure was recorded by NPB in 2024. It is not the maximum constraint, but 'average fastball velocity'. Here, it is clustered into attractive elements such as 'early 20s' and 'character with a dramatic growth narrative'. Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers)' success case also helped the MLB team become enthusiastic about Sasaki.
This results in a dense 'negotiation schedule'. I have already met the New York Mets, and I have a meeting reservation with the New York Yankees next. SNY reporter Andy Martino quoted a source on the 20th (Korea time) saying that the Mets met with FA pitcher Sashiki.
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Sasaki has plenty of room. There are many clubs who want to meet after the Mets. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said `We will meet with Sasaki in the near future.' The date and place are undecided.
Not only big market clubs such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers, but also small market clubs such as the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals are offering a challenge. The whole situation is in Sasaki's favor. 'Flower path' has unfolded. She is so different from Kim Hye-sung.
wman@sportschosun.com
