'Annual salary of 30.4 billion won' Kim Ha-seong, recent slump of 1 hit in 27 at-bats → U.S. home fans erupt in jeers

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ha-seong (30) of the Atlanta Braves, already excluded from the starting lineup amid a severe batting slump, suffered the humiliation of being substituted out as a pinch hitter during the game. It appears the home fans' patience has reached its limit.

On the 18th (Korea time), Kim Ha-seong was excluded from the starting lineup for the home game against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., in the '2026 Major League Baseball (MLB)' season.

Kim Ha-seong, who has been struggling with a severe batting slump of 1 hit in 27 at-bats recently, managed only 0 hits in 3 at-bats with 2 strikeouts and 1 walk in the previously suspended game due to rain. As a result, his season batting average dropped to 0.085 (59 at-bats, 5 hits), forcing him to start the game from the bench.

On this day, a cruel situation unfolded for Kim Ha-seong in the latter half of the game. With the team trailing 2-5, he was inserted into the game as a defensive replacement for shortstop Dominique Smith at the start of the bottom of the 7th inning.

However, when Kim Ha-seong's turn at bat came in the bottom of the 8th inning with two outs and runners on first and second, the Atlanta bench immediately called upon pinch hitter Rowdy Tellez. It was a moment of the most painful 're-substitution' for a position player, as the fielder who had been inserted to strengthen defense was substituted out again without ever stepping up to the plate. Tellez, who came in as a pinch hitter, was retired with a swinging strikeout.

Although he is a star hitter who signed a major contract ahead of this season and earns an annual salary of 20 million dollars (approximately 30.4 billion won), local public opinion is cooling down rapidly. According to multiple local media outlets, when Kim Ha-seong returned to the dugout after being struck out in the suspended game, home fans poured jeers at him.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss (62) expressed regret regarding Kim Ha-seong, stating, "There is no magic formula to get him out of this slump. The player himself must be feeling more frustrated than anyone else." He added, "We will continue to adjust the lineup, but at the same time, other players will also get their chances. That is all we can do right now."

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*This content was translated by AI.