Kim Ha-sung got on base with a hit in an away game against Colorado at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on August 19 (Korea Standard Time), and quickly returned to first base when the opposing pitcher checked him. He returned home with headfirst sliding as usual, but here he had a problem with his right shoulder. Most of the injuries were so dizzying that Kim Ha-sung, who plays with patience, complained of severe pain and gave up the game first.
Fortunately, the examination revealed no structural problems on his shoulder. Although he was on the 10-day injured list, everyone was optimistic. It was not a major injury, but a preventive measure, and rather, it was said that all preparations for his return could be completed 10 days ago. However, a month later, Kim Ha-sung’s return has not been made until now. Rather, local media are pessimistic that Kim Ha-sung may not be able to return within the regular season.
According to a report on the Major League’s official website (MLB.com ) on the 21st (Korea time), Kim Ha-sung is increasing the training intensity of his troublesome throws. It is positive news in its own way considering that he has not returned to the team so far due to his good batting performance but poor pitching. San Diego manager Mike Shildt said in an interview with MLB.com and other local media, “We had batting training today, and threw the ball 75 feet (about 23 meters). However, this is not enough. MLB.com still sees Kim Ha-sung’s return from late September to October.
As frustrating times pass, the team’s advance to the postseason is very likely. It is because of the hope that they will be able to participate in the postseason schedule that begins on October 2nd in our time. On the one hand, there are many analyses that it does not have such a significant impact on Kim Ha-sung’s FA value. Analysts say that since there is no structural problem with the shoulder, he will be able to wait intact for the opening of next year, and then he will be able to show his original skills.
The U.S. sports media “Blitzer Report” also ranked Kim Ha-sung 12th overall by ranking 2024-2025 Major League FA players on the 21st (Korea time). “Blitzer Report” said, “Kim Ha-sung, who shows a harmonious play of elite defense, power and speed in various infield positions, is one of the most valuable all-round players in the market,” adding, “In a four-year, $28 million contract with the Padres, Kim Ha-sung recorded a winning contribution (WAR) compared to a 15.3 substitute.”
Since it is usually valued at $8-10 million per WAR, Kim Ha-sung believes that he provided several times the amount he received during the contract period with San Diego. The value of Kim Ha-sung’s four-year offer, compiled by the statistics website “Pangraph” based on the WAR, also reached $87.5 million. If so, the total amount of Kim Ha-sung’s FA contract can be expected to be about four years. If you sign a contract for more than five years, it is possible to exceed $100 million in total.
In the Bleacher Report rankings, only three infielders ranked higher than Kim Ha-sung: shortstop Willy Adames (Milwicket), third baseman Alex Bregman (Houston), and first baseman Pete Alonso (New York Mets). Bregman and Alonso are players of the type and position that do not overlap well with Kim Ha-sung in the first place. This is a ranking that confirms once again that the central infield market is poor this year. The value of Kim Ha-sung, a rare luxury item, will inevitably increase. This is because there is a lot of demand but there is insufficient supply. This is basic market logic.메이저사이트
Kim Ha-sung still enjoys popularity, ranking higher than Cody Bellinger (13th in the Chicago Cubs), who won the National League MVP in 2019, and Gleyber Torres (24th in the New York Yankees), a young central infielder. It will be a perfect finish if he can go to the market at the end of the regular season or return to the postseason to prove his health and value.