A .267, 1-hit-batting-average player is in demand? MLB teams are still eyeing Kim Ha-seong... U.S. media predicts a "lottery ticket or insurance policy"

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Despite undergoing surgery for two consecutive years and experiencing his worst season, there are still clubs keeping an eye on Kim Ha-seong (31). The Philadelphia Phillies have expressed interest in Kim Ha-seong, who has entered the market as a free agent (FA).

U.S. media outlet NBC Sports Philadelphia reported on the 10th (Korean time), "Philadelphia is watching FA infielder Kim Ha-seong, who could take on an important role, in preparation for the possibility of starting shortstop Trea Turner changing positions."

According to the outlet, Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations for Philadelphia, issued an ultimatum to Turner at the start of the offseason, stating that he would have to move positions if he failed to improve his defensive skills. President Dombrowski drew a line, saying, "If you play defense like in 2025, you can handle shortstop, but if you do it like in 2026, you cannot."

If Turner moves to second base, third base, or the outfield, Philadelphia will need an immediate alternative. Edmundo Sosa has earned FA status and is seeking a long-term contract, while Alex Bregman's departure as an FA has increased the likelihood that prospect Aiden Miller will take over third base.

NBC Sports stated, "In any scenario, Philadelphia needs an 'insurance player' who can immediately handle shortstop if Turner changes positions and can also cover all three infield positions." The outlet added, "According to sources, Philadelphia is watching veteran infielder Kim Ha-seong as a candidate for this role."

Kim Ha-seong became the first Asian infielder to win a Gold Glove (Utility Player category) in 2023. He performed brilliantly with a .260 batting average, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 84 runs scored, 38 stolen bases, and an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of .749. He delivered solid performance the following year as well, but underwent surgery for a shoulder injury, resulting in a disappointing report card on the FA market.

After moving from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Atlanta Braves and showing signs of a rebound, he signed a one-year contract worth $20 million (approximately 26.7 billion won). However, ahead of this season, he suffered a torn tendon in his right middle finger after slipping on an icy road and underwent surgery again.

He then went through the worst period of his career. In 51 games, he managed a .116 batting average (15 hits in 129 at-bats), no home runs, 9 RBIs, 11 runs scored, and an OPS of just .359.

The outlet also detailed Kim Ha-seong's injury news. It further noted that Mauricio Dubon, who entered the FA market from Atlanta alongside Kim Ha-seong, is seeking a multi-year contract. "Philadelphia prefers to sign players with 'short-term contracts' where a bounce-back can be expected, making Kim Ha-seong a top candidate," it explained.

NBC Sports stated, "The 31-year-old right-handed hitter Kim Ha-seong fits these conditions perfectly." The outlet added, "He had outstanding seasons with San Diego from 2021 to 2024, recording bWAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 5.0 and 5.4 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. In 2023, he won a Gold Glove while rotating through three positions."

It continued, "Although his form has declined over the past two years due to injuries, this perfectly fits the 'bounce-back candidate' and 'insurance card' that Philadelphia is looking for at the general managers' meeting," offering a positive assessment.

Previously, U.S. baseball media outlet Baseball America (BA) also analyzed that the cause of his slump was a timing issue rather than a decline in talent, citing evidence that Kim Ha-seong's bat speed has consistently improved. It predicted he would attempt to recover his value with a short-term contract worth approximately $10 million (about 13.4 billion won). If Kim Ha-seong can perform at his pre-injury level, he could become the ultimate cost-effective card.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original