Rumors have emerged again of Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) returning to shortstop.
The Athletic’s Dennis Lynn recently published a long article, revealing that the player best suited to be San Diego’s starting shortstop is Kim Ha-seong (28). In addition, it was reported that San Diego has already asked Xander Bogaerts about his intention to change his position.
Ha-seong Kim also said in an interview that he wants to play shortstop but respects Bogaerts, and Jake Cronenworth, who has performed poorly this year, said that he is actually better suited for second base. If Bogaerts changes positions, it is likely that he will be second base. If the current system of third baseman Manny Machado, shortstop Bogaerts, second baseman Kim Ha-seong, and first baseman Cronenworth is somehow shaken, chain transfers are inevitable.
In any case, this is an article that recognized Ha-seong Kim’s skills as a shortstop. It is true that shortstops are evaluated more highly than second basemen in the market. If Ha-seong Kim plays as a full-time shortstop next year and shows his production from this season, it is highly likely that he will be well-received in the 2024-2025 free agent market. Ha-seong Kim is still in his 20s.
Friars On Base, who is in charge of San Diego, looked positively at Bogaerts signing an 11-year, $280 million (approximately 379.2 billion won) contract ahead of this season. He recorded a batting average of 0.285, 19 home runs, 58 RBIs, 83 runs, and an OPS of 0.790 in 155 games this season. His production was down a bit from last year when he was with the Boston Red Sox, but it wasn’t bad.
Friars on Base said, “Bogaerts swung a good bat at the end of the season. However, after recruiting Bogaerts, the Padres had no choice but to move positions (Ha-Sung Kim and Cronenworth). Now, as they prepare for next season, the 31-year-old will be asked to do the same. “Is it successful?” he said.
Since he is basically a player with class, it is predicted that his batting production will not decline even if he changes his position. “He is a true professional, so the change in position will not affect his performance on the field or at the plate,” Friars on Base said.
My faith in Kim Ha-seong is also strong. Friars on Base said, “Ha-Seong Kim had a very good season and was rewarded with a move from second base to a final runner and a utility infielder. Fernando Tatis Jr. went to right field. “The 2023 season will be a huge disappointment for the Padres, but they have had some bright spots.” Ha-Seong Kim was one of those bright spots.굿모닝토토
In the end, if Bogaerts accepts the club’s request, Kim Ha-seong’s return to shortstop is expected to be accomplished. However, the rumor that coach Bob Melvin will move to the San Francisco Giants has once again spread, which may act as a variable. If San Diego needs to find a new head coach, they must also listen to the manager’s intentions.