Kim Hye-sung, LAD Selection Not Understanding Media, Lux has to wait for the FA two years later, and Kim Ha-sung has been the main player for two years
Jan 04, 2025
|
|
In 2025, the Dodgers plan to run the infield as first baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Gavin Lux, third baseman Max Muncy and shortstop Mookie Betts. Even considering the characteristics of manager Dave Roberts, who prefers a multi-position system, these four players should be considered to protect the Dodgers infield.
In other words, Kim Hye-sung is a backup resource. The Dodgers gave Kim Hye-sung a high score on his utility ability to see second, third and shortstop.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said at a press conference on the 4th (Korea time) at Dodger Stadium to renew FA contract with Teoscar Hernandez "Spider Mookie Betts and second baseman Gavin Lux are the basic plans, so Kim Hye-sung is suitable for a utility role."." It means he was brought in to use as a backup infielder.
This is also the intention of manager Dave Roberts. Roberts is a representative head coach who prefers multi-positioned fielders.
|
Lux is a former prospect who received a first round draft pick in 2016. He made his major league debut in 2019 and jumped to the starting lineup in 2021 with a batting average of 0.242 (81 hits in 335 at-bats) in 102 games. Lux, who also hit .276 (116 hits in 421 at-bats) in 2022 and solidified his position with a stable defense, will, however, undergo knee surgery in 2023 and take a full season off and face a stagnation period. However, he returned last year and played in 139 career games, recording a batting average of 0.251 (110 hits in 439 at-bats), 10 homers, 50 RBIs, 59 runs, and OPS of 0.703, solidifying his position as a middle-infielder with higher-than-league offense and defense capabilities.
However, Lux will qualify as an FA at the end of the 2026 season. There are two years left. If you become a free body while maintaining your current skills, there is a high possibility of transfer and can be used as a trade card before that. If Kim Hye-sung succeeds in adapting and builds up his offense and defense skills, he is likely to be selected as the main second baseman.
Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas may also be looking for a starting second base spot, but both players are trusted as professional utilities. In the end, Kim Hye-sung is in a position to watch Lux's growth, skills, and injuries and see the main position.
|
Kim Hye-sung is not the main player for the time being, according to the media. Probably won't make the lineup every day. It's hard to believe that he chose the Dodgers even though he couldn't secure enough time to play. In the end, it means that we have to endure this year and next season as a backup with the keyword 'fight against time'.
|
According to the AP, Kim Hye-sung will receive $1 million in Sinning Bonus, and his annual salary will be $2.5 million in 2025 and $3.75 million in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The Dodgers have $5 million in club options in 2028 and 2029, and a buyout is $1.5 million with a package that selects or gives up at the same time.
In addition, a clause was added that $500,000 will be paid as a bonus if more than 500 at-bats are built in 2028 and 2029, when the club option is activated. You can receive up to $22 million over a five-year period, including an option of two years.
The lack of separate incentives or bonus provisions for the first three years of guaranteed time means that there are virtually not many opportunities to play as a main player in this period. Coincidentally, the regulation for a major league season is 502 at-bats. Instead, he said he would give bonuses based on the number of at-bats for the next two years of options, so we can expect a change in Kim Hye-sung's position to compete for the starting lineup between 2028 and 2029.
Kim Ha-sung, who signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres in January 2021, was also considered a utility candidate and joined the team in his second year. If you show a 'consistency' when the opportunity comes, you can be the main player at any time.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
