There is a possibility of a trade this offseason.”
The possibility of Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) being traded has raised its head again. The Athletic analyzed San Diego’s expected roster for the 2024 season on the 12th (Korean time), including Ha-seong Kim, infielder Jake Cronenworth, right-handers Robert Suarez, Scott Barrow, Steven Wilson, Pedro Avila, catcher Luis Campusano, and left-hander Tom Cosgrove. It was grouped into Tier 2 with.
These are players that you should potentially keep, but that doesn’t mean you should do so under any circumstances. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Yu Darvish, and Joe Musgrove, selected by The Athletic as first tier, were referred to as the building blocks and skeleton of the team.
The Athletic said, “Ha-Seong Kim, the best defender on the roster, moved to second base to accommodate Bogaerts, made a compelling case for a Gold Glove award, and had a breakout season on offense. “The value has increased dramatically ahead of the final season before becoming a free agent.”
However, The Athletic said, “Along with Ha-Sung Kim’s potential contract demand, top prospect Jackson Merrill may debut in the 2024 season. That possibility could lead to a possible trade this offseason. “But San Diego will try to get a very high offer.”
The first four years of Kim Ha-seong’s 4+1 year, $39 million contract end with the 2024 season. He reported that he would not exercise his $8 million option for 2025, making him a reserve free agent. As San Diego has set a pay-cut policy, if they are unable to give Kim Ha-seong an extension, there is a possibility that they will consider a trade ahead of free agency. This is because if San Diego wants to gain anything through Kim Ha-seong, a trade is beneficial.스포츠토토
Variables include the fact that San Diego will hold its opening game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Seoul on March 20-21 next year, and that if Ha-seong Kim is missing, it will have a significant negative impact on the infield defense. However, The Athletic believes that it is necessary to make room for Jackson Merrill (20), the team’s top infielder prospect.
In fact, Merrill hit a total of 15 home runs in Double A and High Single A this year. In 114 games, he had 129 hits in 466 at-bats, a batting average of 0.277, 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, 76 runs, 15 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.770. As a 2021 first-round pick, it is only a matter of time before he gets a major league call-up. Since his main position is shortstop, it is true that he overlaps with Ha-Sung Kim in the larger scheme of things.
As such, Ha-seong Kim’s future path is subject to many variables, including his contract and the circumstances of San Diego. For San Diego, there are reasons to trade and reasons to keep them. As for Kim Ha-seong, if he shows at least this season’s level of competitiveness, he is likely to sign a good contract with any team in the offseason a year from now. Ha-seong Kim returned to Korea on the 11th and took a rest.