Kim Ha-sung, this time, recommend going to ATL...Shoulder surgery complicates value, SS upgradeable player

Jan 05, 2025

Kim Ha-sung. AP Yonhap News

Kim Hye-sung (26)'s destination has been decided. Where will Kim Ha-sung (30) head.

The U.S. sports media 'Sports Illustrated' predicted the recruitment of Kim Ha-sung on the 5th (Korea time) 'Atlanta Braves is expected to recruit the Gold Glove winner'

The media reported 'Atlanta fans are still waiting for the team to make a splash in the Major League FA market. Can Atlanta succeed in recruiting shortstop?'

The media quoted R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports as saying. Anderson said 'Kim Ha-sung will miss most of the first half, if not the entire first half, due to shoulder surgery he underwent late last summer. Most teams are not willing to invest much in Kim Ha-sung, he pointed out.

'Sports Illustrated'Kim Ha-sung won the National League Gold Glove as a utility player in 2023. In 152 games, he hit .351 with a batting average of .398 with 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 84 runs. He stole 38 bases. All of these figures are 'career best' and failed to repeat these figures in 2024. After undergoing shoulder surgery, he will miss the final month and a half of the regular season and the playoffs.

The media continued 'As Anderson argued, shoulder injuries complicate Kim Ha-sung's value. However, this means Atlanta can recruit Kim Ha-sung at a lower price than expected. It's an important factor for Atlanta, which doesn't seem to have a big FA recruitment this offseason.

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Although surgery is unlikely to allow him to play for a considerable period of time, the media believes it is enough to boost Atlanta's power. The 'Sports Illustrated' is 'Kim Ha-sung's impact on offense and defense can be considered a great achievement. Kim Ha-sung is expected to show a potential upgraded performance over Atlanta shortstop Orlando Arcia.

Arcia was named the National League All-Star in 2023, but last year, he had a batting average of 2.188 OPS (long hit + on-base percentage) of 0.625. Kim Ha-sung had a batting average of 2.33 OPS 0.700 with 11 home runs, 60 runs and 47 RBIs in 121 games last year. Overall, it is a better performance than Arcia.

Media reports 'Atlanta appears to be looking forward to a healthy return of Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, Azee Albies and others with major offensive upgrades in 2025. However, he once again recommended recruiting Kim Ha-sung, saying, 'The shortstop can be upgraded cheaply.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.