A sudden news came to Kim Ha-sung (29, San Diego Padres), who is about to become the first FA in the Major League. A month after he suffered a shoulder injury, the possibility of surgery was raised and a dark cloud was cast.
Kevin A.C. of the San Diego Union-Tribune said on his SNS on the 28th (Korea Standard Time), “Kim Ha-sung may have to operate on his shoulder joint and spine this offseason.”
Kim Ha-sung was replaced due to shoulder pain in the game against the Colorado Rockies on April 19. Kim Ha-sung, who had a hit at the time and went to the first base, tried to slide while he was in check by opposing pitcher Bradley Blaylock. However, he suffered a huge impact on his arm and immediately got up by grabbing his right shoulder to complain of pain.
The next day, on August 20, he underwent an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) test and found shoulder inflammation, and he was listed on the injured list for the first time since entering the Major League in 2021.
Originally, he was expected to be absent for a short period of 10 days. However, five weeks have passed and San Diego coach Mike Shildt’s statement in an interview with local media including “97.3 The Fan” was not positive.
“Kim Ha-sung didn’t throw smoothly. There was no problem with the batting, but he couldn’t throw consistently,” Shildt said. “We’re watching what the situation is like, but for now, we’re not in a reliable state for him in the near future. Of course, there is a possibility for him to return.”
MLB Trade Rumors, another media outlet that broke the news, said, “If we treat the shoulder joint in the offseason, it will be a fatal blow to Kim Ha-sung ahead of the FA,” adding, “The four-year guarantee contract signed with San Diego is nearing the end. He will reject the $8 million (about 10.5 billion won) mutual option next year, and will come to the FA market after receiving a $2 million (about 2.6 billion won) buyout.”
Up until this season, Kim was recognized as a big FA shortstop who can receive even 100 million dollars. He was highly regarded for his above-average batting productivity, outstanding defense and base running. Over the past two years, he has been listed in the final three candidates for the National League Gold Glove for the second consecutive year while serving as a full-time shortstop and second baseman.
Last year, he was the first Asian Major Leaguer infielder to win the Gold Glove in the utility category as he mainly played second base and displayed above-average defense at shortstop and third base. Based on his accomplishments, he regained his position as the main shortstop this year and was cruising along with the assessment that he could receive 100 million U.S. dollars.
This season, he was sluggish with a batting average of 0.233 (94 hits in 403 times at bat) in 121 games, 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, 60 runs, 58 walks, 77 strikeouts, 22 steals (five failed), 0.330 on-base percentage, 0.370 on-base plus slugging percentage, and 0.700 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS), but the evaluation remained.
MLB Trade Rumors said, “Kim Ha-sung, who has above-average defense everywhere in the field, is extremely valuable. He stole 38 bases last season and made 22 of his 27 stolen base attempts this year as well. He does not have overwhelming power, but he hit double-digit homers for the third consecutive year. He also praised his performance, saying, “Ironically, it was one of my biggest strengths.” He added, “This is the first time that he has been on the injured list for four years in the Major League.” 메이저사이트
However, his dream of making a 100 million dollar hit is on the verge of disappearing due to durability and shoulder problems, which is the most important factor in defense of shortstop. San Diego, which lost its main shortstop, is also in a crisis. With Xander Bogaerts returning to shortstop, Jake Cronenworth, who was at first base, takes over second base, and Donovan Solano and Luis Arraez take over first base.
MLB Trade Rumors said, “The urgent part of San Diego is how to operate the infielders in the postseason,” adding, “It will take at least a few more weeks to figure out how Kim Ha-sung’s injury affects the FA evaluation.”
