SD Kim Ha-sung opened up the possibility of renewing his contract, raising the possibility of going to Seattle for trade negotiations with the batting king second baseman Yankees
Jan 07, 2025
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The Los Angeles Dodgers, considered a potential destination for Kim Ha-sung, disappeared when they brought in Kim Hye-sung, a utility infielder from the same KBO, and the New York Yankees, looking for second and third base agents, reportedly selected candidates to fill the position. The Yankees were also considered a club where Kim Ha-sung could go.
According to ESPN reporter Jeff Bankruptcy, the Yankees recently started trade negotiations with the San Diego Padres over second baseman Luis Arraez. The Yankees intend to fill the position with Araez after Gleyber Torres, a second baseman, signed a one-year, $15 million FA contract and moved to the Detroit Tigers.
The Yankees may consider moving third baseman Jaz Chisom Jr. to his original position, second base, and using his internal resources as third baseman, but being active in the Arraez trade means they have chosen to increase the level of offense and defense.
On top of that, the Dodgers traded the existing second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds on the 7th (Korea time), opening the door for Kim Hye-sung 'the way to the main battle'. Cincinnati traded second baseman Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals in November last year to bring in 10-star starter Brady Singer. He received lux on the day at a time when demand for second baseman was high.
Although Cincinnati was not heavily mentioned as Kim Ha-sung's expected destination, it cannot be denied that it has disappeared from the option in terms of serial movement.
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In addition, it appears that the original San Diego team did not abandon the re-signing scenario with Kim Ha-sung. That's the Arraez trade push.
Arraez's ransom, which will go to the FA market at the end of this year, is expected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the best contact heater to win the batting title for the last three consecutive years. Spotrac, a site specializing in annual salary, suggests a market value of Araez at $154.4 million for nine years.
This is why San Diego, known for its financial difficulties, such as the burden of luxury taxes, put Araez on the market. It is a scenario in which infield stability can be achieved by sending Araez out and catching Kim Ha-sung again, which is relatively inexpensive. Kim Ha-sung won the NL Utility Gold Glove by covering shortstop and third baseman while watching the second baseman as the main position in 2023.
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BR said that the San Francisco Giants and Dodgers, which were considered Kim Ha-sung's expected destinations, chose a different direction. While we can't rule out the possibility of a reunion with the Padres, they mentioned market conditions, saying, "If we trade Araez or Jake Cronenworth to secure financial leeway, that's also a challenge."
As ESPN reported, San Diego is talking with the Yankees over the recent Arraez trade. It implies the possibility of re-signing Kim Ha-sung.
BR said 'Kim Ha-sung can't boost his weak Seattle offense, but he can cover second and third bases full time as an elite fielder. In addition, Kim Ha-sung explained that if anything happens to shortstop JP Crawford, it is also good for insurance.
Now, interest in Kim Ha-sung is rising over whether he will stay in San Diego or transfer.
Currently, it is difficult for Kim Ha-sung's future to be decided immediately. This is because clubs are focusing on strengthening their power through trade rather than FA. Some point out that the return time of Kim Ha-sung, who underwent shoulder surgery, is expected to be after May, making it difficult to push for the contract.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
