The Athletic, a sports media outlet, mentioned Kim Ha-sung on the 13th (Korea time), citing Cleveland’s need for a trade and positions that need to be reinforced in the team. The media analyzed Cleveland’s shortstop position, “Brian Rocchio and Gabriel Arias did not show their performance in offense,” adding, “We have Triple-A players in the Minor League, but we still don’t know who will be paired with second baseman Andrés Jimenez in the infield.” The media also mentioned trading Kim Ha-sung and Bissett (Toronto Blue Jays) as a short-term solution if they can’t find their main players inside.
Bissett is a brilliant player, but Toronto may sell it before the trade deadline (July 30 local time), The Athletic said. “It seems unlikely, but if San Diego is pushed out of the postseason competition, Kim Ha-sung could be an interesting alternative.” 동행복권파워볼
Having signed a four-plus-one-year contract worth up to 39 million dollars with the San Diego Padres ahead of the 2021 season, Kim will receive an annual salary of 8 million dollars next year if he extends his contract by one year after the end of this season. However, chances are high that Kim, whose value has risen, will enter the market as a free agent.
Since his MLB debut in 2021, Kim has recorded the highest performance since his debut last year. He played in 152 games, posting a batting average of 0.260 with 17 homers, 60 RBIs, 38 steals, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.749. He also played as a shortstop and third baseman, showing off his solid defense and winning the National League utility gold glove.
Notably, he recovered his sense of play despite his poor performance recently, and played in 71 games this season, recording a batting average of 0.222 with nine homers, 34 RBIs, 14 steals, and an OPS of 0.729. Currently, San Diego is ranking second in the National League West and second in the wild card list. As San Diego (37 wins and 35 losses), which aims to play baseball in autumn, can qualify for the post season ranking up to the third in the wild card list, most watchers predict that it is unlikely that the team will use its flagship shortstop Kim Ha-sung as a trade offer next month.