U.S. reporters' questions to Kim Ha-sung → Did you hear about TB from the players?
Feb 04, 2025
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Tampa Bay officially announced on the 4th (Korea time) that it signed Kim Ha-sung. Immediately after, an online press conference was held. About 20 people attended, including four to five foreign reporters, Eric Nieder, president of Tampa Bay baseball operations, and Kim Ha-sung's agent Scott Boras.
Major League reporters first asked why they signed with Tampa Bay.
Kim Ha-sung said "I didn't have much trouble. The offer came from a good team, so I decided without difficulty. It's an honor to join such a good team. I thank Boras for making a good contract with a good team."
Next, I was curious about my physical condition.
Kim Ha-sung injured his shoulder in the second half of last year. I had surgery and finished the season early.
Kim Ha-sung said "I heard that the surgery went well. The rehabilitation process is also smooth. I'm in good shape because I worked hard. He threw the ball and started hitting. I'm working out hard in good condition. I'll continue to work hard so that I can come back as soon as possible" he said.
I asked Kim Ha-sung what position shortstop is. Kim Ha-sung was a shortstop representing the KBO League, but he was more widely known as a utility player in the Major League. Tampa Bay brought Kim Ha-sung to use as its main shortstop.
Kim Ha-sung said, `I've seen the most shortstop in my career since I was young in Korea. It's the most comfortable position. The position where I can best show my baseball."
Kim Ha-sung is also known for his gritty active play. He also kept his number seven. Local reporters asked who Kim Ha-sung was using as a role model.
Kim Ha-sung said, `Rather than being a role model, I did my best to win every game. Many people thought it was a hustle play when they saw such a scene. This will remain the same. I'll do my best to help the team as much as possible and win the championship."
He went on to wear seven times throughout his career. It means a lot and it's a good number because I always put it on. I think it's a good number for me."
Blake Snell, a pitcher who Kim Ha-sung shared a bowl of rice with during his time in San Diego, is from Tampa Bay. In this stove league, Kim Ha-sung went to Tampa Bay and Snell went to the LA Dodgers. Local reporters asked Snell if he had heard anything about Tampa Bay.
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The home stadium is also key. Tampa Bay will not be able to use its home stadium, Tropicana Field, this season. The stadium was severely damaged by the hurricane in 2024. This year, Steinbrenner Field, New York Yankees' second-tier stadium, is home. U.S. reporters were concerned that this was a concern when signing contracts.
Kim Ha-sung said "I actually thought a little about it, but I was told that the baseball stadium was in such good condition. After all, it is a baseball stadium used by Major League Baseball. I believed it would have been well managed. It was not a problem with the contract."
Kim Ha-sung signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay for up to 31 million dollars (about 45.2 billion won). It is a 1+1 year contract that includes 'Optout' that allows Kim Ha-sung to declare FA again after the 2025 season. The guaranteed amount is 29 million dollars (about 42.5 billion won). This year's annual salary is 13 million dollars (about 19 billion won). It will receive $16 million (about 23.5 billion won) in 2026. The incentive is up to 2 million dollars (about 3 billion won).
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
