"Pay attention to Song Sung-moon" U.S. experts' eyes, "He will play all positions, including the right-handed opponent, and the outfield."

*This content was translated by AI.

Although he is still an unknown player in the Major League Baseball (MLB), the big league is showing expectations for the possibility of Song Sung-moon (30, San Diego Padres).

MLB.COM, the official website of MLB, introduced Song Sung-moon for the sixth time on the 24th (Korea time), extracting an article by San Diego reporter A.J. Casabel on the Padres beat, saying, "San Diego's 18 players to pay attention to in spring camp."

He introduced Song Seong-moon as a fairly high proportion of the 18 names, noting players who can be variables this season rather than constant players like Manny Machado.

"San Diego highly values Song Sung-moon, who signed a four-year contract in December last year," the media said. "However, players from KBO usually need an adaptation period."

Song Sung-moon, who debuted in the KBO League in 2015, started playing full-time only in 2022 after a long unknown period, and played a batting average of 0.340 19 home runs, 104 RBIs, 88 runs and 21 steals in 142 games in the 2024 season, and an OPS (On base rate + slugging rate) of 0.927 .

Last year, he played in all 144 games despite the flow of pitching and hitters, hitting .315 26 home runs, 90 RBIs, 103 runs, 25 steals, and OPS 0.917, and won the KBO 3rd baseman's defense award along with third baseman Golden Glove for the first time in his life.

During the season, he signed a six-year, 12 billion won contract with Kiwoom, but he challenged the big league through the posting system and signed a four-year, $15 million contract with San Diego.

He was scheduled to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, but he ruptured his side muscle (inner abdominal muscle) during batting training and had to undergo rehabilitation for about four weeks, and was eventually excluded from the national team list.

It's a big blow to the national team, but Song Sung-moon, who has to adapt to the new league, is able to relax somewhat.

"Song Sung-moon started his spring camp somewhat slowly after suffering a side injury in the winter," the media said. "But if he shows a good performance, he will be able to get a chance to play as a main player when facing a right-handed pitcher and play all positions, including the outfield."

Song Sung-moon has the third baseman as his main position, but superstar Machado is holding out in San Diego. In reality, with Jake Cronenworth on second base, Song Sung-moon is expected to be able to take a chance as an outfielder like Kim Hye-sung.

Casabel also paid attention to the super-utility aspect of Song Seong-moon. "Even when there is no chance to start, his versatility will play an important role on the bench," he said.

MLB.COM previously listed Song Sung-moon's name, citing "15 hitters that must be watched in spring camp," and evaluated, "Song Sung-moon is not a big shot like Murakami Munetaka or Okamoto Kazuma, but he is a notable player in the San Diego camp."

Like Casabel, he noted his versatility. "Last season, he won the Golden Glove for Kiwoom and showed off his long hit (26 home runs) and speed (25 steals)," he said. "The third baseman is a versatile player, and the Padres expect him to exert influence throughout the game as a super utility. "Song Sung-moon's performance in this camp will help us determine what role he will take on and what position he will be most suitable for in San Diego," he said.

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*This content was translated by AI.