Two years, 53 billion won + opt-out, how about Seattle? The GG-winning infielder Kim Ha-sung is in full demand
Jan 13, 2025
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The most likely teams to be mentioned in relation to FA Kim Ha-sung this offseason were the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the two teams drew a line against Kim Ha-sung by recruiting shortstop Willy Adames ($182 million for seven years) and utility infielder Kim Hye-sung ($12.5 million for three years), respectively.
In particular, going to San Francisco was considered a given, but President Buster Posey caught Adames by spending far more than the market price.
In the case of the Dodgers, if Kim Ha-sung is recruited, it is not necessary to force Mookie Betts, who injured his finger at the position last year, from the outfield to the shortstop. However, Betts' return to shortstop was announced as a definitive plan, and Kim Hye-sung was recruited on the 4th of last year.
Currently, the clubs mentioned in relation to Kim Ha-sung are the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox, the Seattle Mariners, and the original San Diego Padres. There is still a lot of demand.
First of all, Just Baseball predicted on the 8th that it would sign a five-year $60 million contract with Atlanta, putting Kim Ha-sung in sixth place in an article titled 「The remaining FA Top 20 contracts and club expectations」.
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ESPN reporter Jeff Bankruptcy reported on the 6th that the New York Yankees recently began trade negotiations with San Diego over second baseman Luis Arraez', hinting at the possibility of Kim Ha-sung returning to San Diego. However, there are also negative prospects that San Diego, which has declared a tightening budget, will renew its contract with Kim Ha-sung, who is considered to be worth $15 million a year.
CW6 San Diego sportscaster and talk show host Lee Hacksaw Hamilton said on the 9th that "San Diego is interested in accepting utility player Kim Ha-sung again. Besides, I think he's trying to offer $6 million." San Diego could offer $6 million as Kim Ha-sung's return this year could be delayed beyond June. Of course, it is a difficult condition for Kim Ha-sung to accept.
Former major leaguer Eric Kratz also appeared on the local podcast 「'Foulttery' on the 12th and predicted that the Red Sox will sign Kim Ha-sung with the intention of supporting the Trevor Story that could be injured again in 2025. "The Red Sox need to strengthen their defense," he said. Is there a player who fits perfectly? I'm sure Kim Ha-sung will sign with the Red Sox. as a backup plan for Trevor Story."
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Another media outlet, Clutch Points, mentioned Kim Ha-sung first in an article titled 「The Mariners' Top 4」 on the 13th, and Kim Ha-sung, who had a solid season in the Padres, can also see second and third basemen. Seattle shortstop is JP Crawford, but Kim Ha-sung has a solid batting and good defense. His offense and defense history shows well that he is an infielder who will raise his power. 'The Athletic expected an opt-out clause for Kim Ha-sung for two years and $36 million (about 53 billion won), which the Mariners can afford.'"
The market evaluation toward Kim Ha-sung varies widely. There are media outlets that offer a five-year contract, and it is also convincing to argue that the FA should be re-taken with the opt-out right through a one-plus-one-year contract like The Athletic.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
