Kim Ha-sung, can't you exclude LAD? Roberts, a utility-loving coach, has a sudden rise in the power reinforcement scenario?

Jan 03, 2025

San Diego Kim Ha-sung and Dodgers Gavin Lux talk at second base in the Seoul Series held at Gocheok Dome last year. Sports Chosun DB

Even if the Los Angeles Dodgers end the offseason like this, it will not lose the prestige of the defending champion at all.

Walker Buehler, who signed with the Boston Red Sox, and starter Jack Fleherty, who is also certain to be transferred, are the key players who played as FA. The inflow of the two FA, left-hander Blake Snell and outfielder Michael Confoto, is more than offset. As an internal FA, he also caught outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and key bullpen Blake Trinen.

So is the Dodgers virtually done with their power reinforcement this winter? Local media believe this is absolutely not the case.

The representative target is Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. Sasaki is evaluated as having the qualifications to play the role of second or third starters in any team as well as the Dodgers. If he comes to the Dodgers, he is an ace who can match Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani.

One of the seven clubs where Sasaki completed the first round of negotiations is the Dodgers, and the local community still sees the Dodgers and San Diego Padres as the most likely destinations.

Kim Ha-sung is said to be suitable for the LA Dodgers, where the second base, shortstop, and Keystone combination are unstable. AP Yonhap News

On top of that, there is a prospect that Kim Ha-sung can also be recruited to strengthen the infield, which feels somewhat sloppy. Some clubs have been excluded from Kim Ha-sung's leading destination, but the Dodgers are still in effect. This is because the stability of the second base, shortstop, and Keystone combination is not secured. Even if Mookie Betts, whose main job is outfield, returns to shortstop, it is difficult to say that the anxiety factor has been removed as he had an injury history last year.

In response, MLB.com referred to Kim Ha-sung in relation to the Dodgers' power reinforcement work in an article titled `7 Interesting Offseason Storylines that can be monitored in 2025' on the 3rd (Korea time).

The media is 'Will Juss recruit additional hitters? Perhaps shortstop Kim Ha-sung or outfielder Luis Robert Jr. could be targeted. However, the message contained is more than that for Kim Ha-sung.

Kim Ha-sung injured his shoulder in August and had surgery in October after ending the season early. It's hard to play for a few weeks at the beginning of the season this year. As a result, the value, which reached its peak before the season last year, plunged. Considering the fact that FA Willy Adames, who was considered a similar shortstop, signed with the San Francisco Giants for seven years and $182 million, it is a sad injury.

Kim Ha-sung is the 2023 Gold Glove winner in the National League Utility category. ImagesYonhap News

This is why local media are predicting short-term contracts that include opt-out rights for Kim Ha-sung. For the Dodgers, even if it is not for Betts' insurance, Gavin Lux may evaluate Kim Ha-sung as the main second baseman. There is no law not to suggest a long-term contract if Kim Ha-sung is absolutely necessary.

It is a trend in modern baseball, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts favors fielders' ability to play multiple positions 'very'. Tommy Edman, who made a Keystone combination with Kim Ha-sung in WBC, will be mainly used as a center fielder this season, and the second baseman will also be used at the same time. Chris Taylor is a representative utility that allows you to see both inside and outside. Betts is also effectively called an infielder after moving to the Dodgers. Built-in third baseman Max Muncy can also cover first and second basemen.

Kim Ha-sung was recognized for his ability to view infield positions except for first base with the highest level of defense. It is a Gold Glove winner in the NL Utilities category in 2023. If Roberts can be involved, he may actively recommend Kim Ha-sung.

At least, the Dodgers should not be excluded from Kim Ha-sung's FA destination candidate.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.