Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) will end his season with shoulder surgery.
Not only will he miss the postseason, but it also puts a cloud over any long-term contract he may seek as a free agent after the season.
Major League Baseball (MLB) San Diego manager Mike Shields announced that Kim’s season is over after he was placed on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder before the team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday (June 29).
Minutes later, Kim himself stood in front of reporters and announced that he would undergo surgery on his shoulder. The surgery will involve suturing a slightly torn labrum, and the exact date of the surgery is unknown.
“I did everything I could to come back and help the team, but my body didn’t cooperate,” Kim told the American media, adding, ”This season is over. I’m very disappointed and frustrated,” he said.
As reported by the local San Diego Union Tribune, Kim reflected, “The San Diego club means a lot to me,” adding, “I’ve worked with my teammates to win the World Series every year for the past four years, and we’ve had some great memories.”
“This team is like family to me, and we have a great chance to win it this year,” he said, adding, ”I won’t be with the team this fall, but I’ll be cheering them on from the bottom of my heart.”
Kim came to the dugout complaining of shoulder pain after sliding into first base on a throw from the opposing pitcher during an Aug. 19 game against the Colorado Rockies.
He was placed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation and prepared to return, but his recovery was slow.
He was unable to make the most important throwing motion for a shortstop, so he was unable to rejoin the team and ended up having surgery.
Kim finished the 2024 season with a .233 batting average, 11 home runs, and 47 RBIs.
The suddenness of the surgery focused attention on Kim’s postseason plans.
Kim signed a 4+1 year, $28 million guaranteed, $39 million maximum contract with San Diego in 2021.
The guaranteed money includes a $2 million buyout.
After playing four years this year, Kim will earn $8 million in 2025 if the Padres extend his contract by one year.
Kim was a free agent after the season with a $2 million “signing bonus” from San Diego and dreamed of signing a long-term contract worth more than $100 million, but his unexpected shoulder surgery forced him to rethink his negotiating strategy.
U.S. media outlets, including MLB.com, speculated that Kim would likely not extend his contract with San Diego after the surgery and hit the free agent market.
After two years of fall baseball, the Padres were faced with the unexpected prospect of playing the postseason without their starting shortstop.
Sander Boharz, who was pushed to second base by Ha-Sung Kim, will return to shortstop and Jake Cronenwirth will play second base. 카지노사이트 추천
