*This content was translated by AI.
"The worst FA in history."
This is an unfortunate tag attached to Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves). While such stories naturally follow large free agent (FA) stars, the public criticism directed at Kim Ha-seong this season is so severe that it is difficult to find any logical argument to defend him.
Kim Ha-seong has struggled this season, appearing in 26 games with a batting average of 0.068 (5 hits in 73 at-bats). The result feels even more painful given that he signed a one-year, $20 million (approximately 30.8 billion won) contract with Atlanta after last season.
Local Atlanta media outlet SportsTalk ATL, on the 30th (Korean time), highlighted that "the worst FA signing in Braves history, Kim Ha-seong, is unable to escape his slump."
Atlanta, which is not a large market and spent $20 million on Kim Ha-seong to utilize him for just one year, has no choice but to face a surge of criticism. Before his shoulder injury, it was widely believed he would return to form, and just a few months ago, such a slump was unimaginable.
The media also reported, "Until Kim Ha-seong signed his FA contract, there were not many opponents. After Dansby Swanson moved to Chicago, the shortstop position had always been a problem for Atlanta, and Kim Ha-seong showed potential in both defense and batting shortly after joining the team, appearing to fill that weakness."
The accident on an icy road in Korea was painful. Kim Ha-seong slipped on an icy road in Korea this winter, suffering a finger tendon rupture, and was left off the opening day roster. After completing rehabilitation and going through the minor leagues, he joined the team on May 12, but has since posted dismal results.
The media stated, "This decision (FA contract) has turned into a disaster. Even more disappointing is that his performance after returning is worse than before the injury," and pointed out, "It will be July in a few days, yet he has not hit a single extra-base hit."
It continued, "The situation does not seem to be improving. He has gone hitless in his last 27 plate appearances, and his Wins Above Replacement (WAR) compared to a replacement-level player has dropped to -0.9. Considering his limited playing time, this is a startling figure. If extrapolated over 162 games, his WAR would be on a pace of -6.0."
Atlanta is leading the National League East with 49 wins and 33 losses, but is being chased by second-place Philadelphia Phillies by as many as three games. With Kim Ha-seong earning the highest salary on the team while providing no help, his presence is bound to be a source of frustration.
The outlook for the future is also viewed negatively. The media explained, "As time passes, the likelihood that Kim Ha-seong will not be able to finish the season is increasing. Once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns, Mauricio Dubón will reclaim the starting shortstop position. At that point, a decision must be made on whether Kim Ha-seong or Jorge Mateo will take over as (backup) shortstop, but judging by his recent performance, it will not be difficult to determine who is more suitable."
It also offered harsh criticism, calling it the worst FA in the franchise's history. The media noted, "When discussing a one-year contract, it is difficult to definitively label any deal as the worst in the club's history," but added, "Kim Ha-seong's performance has completely overturned that thought. He has completely mocked Atlanta, and considering the Jurickson Profar incident, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos should reconsider future contracts with players from the San Diego Padres."
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*This content was translated by AI.
