Kim Ha-sung is rumored to be trading 1:2 in the U.S. "Explosion of Value," mentions Boston Red Sox destination
Kim Ha-sung (28, San Diego Padres), who was the first Asian infielder to win the Gold Glove, was also embroiled in a trade rumor in the U.S. It can be interpreted that Kim Ha-sung's value is high. The U.S. media Yard Barker reported on the 26th (Korea Standard Time) that the San Diego Padres could consider trading Kim Ha-sung at an appropriate price. The media said, "Kim Ha-sung had a very solid time with the San Diego Padres in the 2023 season. "The San Diego club expects more productivity from Kim Ha-sung next season," he explained. "In the current high value of Kim Ha-sung (his value is high), San Diego is likely to trade Kim Ha-sung based on this season's good performance," he said. Yad Barker cited The Athletic, another U.S. media outlet, saying, "According to Jim Boden, if the San Diego club is offered a proper deal on Kim Ha-sung, it could consider transferring Kim Ha-sung this offseason." Kim Ha-sung had his best year of the season. Above all, he proved his true value by winning the Major League Gold Glove for the first time as an Asian infielder. Kim Ha-sung was nominated in two categories: the second baseman category and the utility category, but he failed to win in the second baseman category, beating Mookie Betts (LA Dodgers) and Tommy Edman (St. Louis Cardinals) in the utility category. Gold Glove was established in 1957 as one of the most prestigious awards in Major League Baseball. Above all, Gold Glove is an award that focuses on "defense" rather than "attack," and selects a total of 20 best defenders for each position in the two major leagues. It is divided into 10 categories, including pitchers, catchers, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, right fielder, and utility, and Kim Ha-sung was selected as the winner of the utility category that can play all positions evenly. It was the second time in 13 years since Ichiro Suzuki (2001-2010) that an Asian player won the Major League Gold Glove. Kim Ha-sung played 856 ⅔ in 106 games (98 starts), 253 ⅓ in 32 games (29 starts) as a third baseman, and 153 ⅓ in 20 games (16 starts) as a shortstop, respectively. He played 1,263 ⅓s in defensive innings in a total of three positions, mainly as a second baseman. At the same time, depending on whether Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado started or not, they showed off their stable defense by playing shortstop or third base. On top of that, he also played a complete game on the offensive and baserunning sides and received enthusiastic love from San Diego fans. Yard Barker said, "In the 2023 season, Kim Ha-sung marked a batting average of 0.260 with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs. He also succeeded in stealing 38." Kim Ha-sung played in 152 games this year, his third year in the Major League, and spent his career high season with a 140-hit OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.749. Home runs, RBIs and stolen bases were all the best in a single season. This is not the first time that Kim Ha-sung has been embroiled in trade rumors. MLB Trade Rumors, which deals with the news of the MLB transfer on the 14th, included Kim Ha-sung, referring to 25 players who are likely to be traded during this off-season. MLB Trade Rumors said, "In order for San Diego to retain Juan Soto, it must trade Trent Grisham and Kim Ha-sung to reduce the overall salary of the team." "It's not as much as Soto will receive next season, but Kim Ha-sung and Grisham are receiving medium-level salaries. Grisham will receive $4.9 million, while Kim Ha-sung will receive $8 million. In the case of Kim Ha-sung, there is a mutual option in 2025, and he will be eligible for FA (Free Agent) next winter." MLB Trade Rumors said, "If Kim Ha-sung is sent to another team through a trade, Jake Cronenworth can return to second base. He also said, "We can leave the first base position to a better hitter," adding, "But it will be difficult to replace Kim Ha-sung's productivity." Kim Ha-sung is a defender who creates a positive effect across all infield positions. "Trading Kim Ha-sung can reduce power loss than Soto's departure, but it is more difficult than breaking up with Grisham," he added.