"Kim Ha-seong, if he doesn't seize the opportunity, he could be released"... 'First home run of the year' in rehab game after injury, but reality is cold

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) hit his first home run of the season in a rehab game. Can Kim Ha-seong, who has been enduring the worst season of his career, draw a new curve of rebound?

Kim Ha-seong, who belongs to the Florida Complex League (FCL) Braves, a rookie league team under Atlanta, started at shortstop as the second batter in a game against the FCL Twins (a Minnesota Twins affiliate) held on the 14th (Korean time) in North Port, Florida. He performed with two hits in three at-bats, including a home run, one RBI, and one run scored.

After finishing last season, Kim Ha-seong signed a one-year, $20 million (approximately 29.8 billion won) contract with Atlanta. In January this year, he slipped on an icy road, rupturing the tendon in his right middle finger, underwent surgery, and returned in May, but struggled to regain his hitting form, suffering from the worst slump of his career. Subsequently, inflammation appeared in his right middle finger on the 5th, leading to his placement on the injured list (IL).

He started a rehab game for the first time today. In the bottom of the first inning, he hit a home run over the left-field wall from his first at-bat. This was his first swing since the beginning of the year, including 27 games in Major League Baseball (MLB) and 10 games in the minor leagues. In the bottom of the fifth inning, he also recorded a single to left field, achieving a multi-hit game.

Of course, hitting a home run from the very first rehab game is encouraging, but reality remains bleak. Kim Ha-seong became the first Asian infielder to win a Gold Glove (National League Utility Division) in 2023, batting .260 with 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases, posting an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.749.

Having acquired free agent (FA) status after the 2024 season, he was expected to command a value exceeding $100 million (approximately 149.1 billion won). This assessment was fully reasonable given his solid hitting, speed, and ability to play all infield positions.

However, he suddenly suffered a shoulder injury during base running the following year and underwent surgery. Despite this, when Kim Ha-seong entered the FA market, he signed a two-year, $29 million (approximately 43.2 billion won) contract with the Tampa Bay Rays amidst significantly diminished interest. Kim Ha-seong included an opt-out clause in the deal, burning with the will to rebound and re-enter the FA market.

However, the problem was that his return came too late. He returned only in July and struggled with a .214 batting average and 0.611 OPS in 24 games for Tampa Bay.

The move to Atlanta became a turning point for his rebound. Kim Ha-seong, who joined Atlanta, showed a different side with a .253 batting average and 0.684 OPS in 24 games, leading Atlanta to offer him a one-year contract after the season ended.

Kim Ha-seong aimed for success in his 'third FA attempt.' However, he was once again hampered by injury. He suffered an absurd injury by slipping on an icy road before the season started and, even after returning in May, endured the worst time of his career with a .068 batting average (5 hits in 73 at-bats) and 0.239 OPS in 27 games.

Local media reported on Kim Ha-seong's rehab news but cast a cold eye. Heavy, a local outlet, stated, "Kim Ha-seong is not only suffering from a serious slump this season but is also dealing with injuries." The report continued, "Although Kim Ha-seong is technically in his second season with the Braves, he is truly struggling. He signed a one-year, $20 million contract during the offseason, which is highly likely to become a 'one-year deal' in reality. Currently, he is hardly getting playing opportunities, and if he continues to struggle even after securing more playing time this season, it is certain that he will be mentioned as a candidate for designation for assignment (DFA)."

The media explained, "He has not recorded a single hit since June 4, which is truly unbelievable." The report added, "He was not the best hitter in history, but at least he was a player who fulfilled his role. However, his current performance is far from satisfactory, and the Braves have found themselves in a situation where they must use other players at shortstop. The Braves may consider acquiring an infielder before the trade deadline. If Kim Ha-seong's slump continues, there is also a possibility that he will remain in the minor leagues."

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*This content was translated by AI.