'Batting average of .116': After the worst year of his career, a reversal in outlook: "Kim Ha-seong is the top shortstop commodity based on pure talent; he will sign a one-year, 0.1 billion won deal"

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A forecast has emerged that Kim Ha-seong (31), who endured his most grueling season since his debut due to injuries and extreme slump, can still be an attractive card in the free agent (FA) market. In the U.S., evaluations have even been made stating that "in terms of pure talent alone, Kim Ha-seong could be the best shortstop commodity in this FA market."

U.S. baseball media Baseball America (BA) selected the top 5 FA shortstops expected to appear in this offseason on the 3rd (Korean time), mentioning Kim Ha-seong's name following J.P. Crawford and Mauricio Dubon.

While stating that "Kim Ha-seong is currently a mystery player," BA praised him by saying, "In terms of pure talent alone, he could be the best shortstop in this FA market." Reviewing his performance from 2022 to 2024, they evaluated him as a "rare player who simultaneously displayed above-average hitting and excellent defense in every stadium."

Kim Ha-seong, who debuted in the Big Leagues in 2021, played in 150 games the following year based on his outstanding defense. In 2023, he handled various infield positions and became the first Asian infielder to win a Gold Glove. He hit .260 with 17 home runs and recorded 38 stolen bases, building expectations as a versatile infield resource.

Kim Ha-seong, who was performing well in 2024, suffered a shoulder injury in August and ultimately underwent surgery, after which his career began to unravel.

Despite the injury, Kim Ha-seong declared himself an FA. Contrary to expectations that he could secure a contract worth over $100 million (approximately 134.3 billion won), he signed a two-year, $29 million (approximately 38.9 billion won) deal with the Tampa Bay Rays that included an opt-out clause.

Kim Ha-seong returned in July after surgery but struggled to recover from his slump. After transferring to the Atlanta Braves in September, he found momentum and entered the market via the opt-out clause. Atlanta expressed expectations for Kim Ha-seong's late-season performance and extended a one-year, $20 million (approximately 26.8 billion won) offer.

However, he was once again thwarted by injury. In January last year, he slipped on an icy road in Korea, tearing the tendon in his right middle finger, and underwent surgery again. Although he returned in May, Kim Ha-seong struggled to regain his hitting form, finishing with a .116 batting average and no home runs in 51 games. With few opportunities to reach base, he had no chance to steal bases. As the team was competing for the top spots, he could not afford to take easy at-bats.

After enduring his worst season, Kim Ha-seong is returning to the market as an FA again. He is two years older than when he first became an FA, and his seasonal performance has hit rock bottom. Doubts follow regarding whether he can regain his health and past form.

The media reported that Kim Ha-seong resembles Andrelton Simmons, who was once considered the best defensive shortstop. Simmons, who had been performing as a top shortstop, saw his hitting statistics drop sharply after an injury in 2019, and his defense also wavered. Nevertheless, the Minnesota Twins, expecting him to recover his skills, extended a one-year, $10.5 million offer.

However, BA predicted that Kim Ha-seong's outcome would differ from Simmons', who had to leave for leagues such as the Mexican League. The media noted, "Kim Ha-seong's bat speed has actually improved every year, so his slump is more likely a timing issue than a decline in talent," leaving room for a hitting rebound.

They further forecasted, "He will almost certainly sign a one-year contract for approximately 0.1 billion won (approximately 13.4 billion won) and try to regain his value once again." Attention is now on whether Kim Ha-seong can recover the shining value he had during his San Diego days through this "FA retry," leaving behind the year lost to injury aftereffects.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original