After advancing to the American Professional Baseball Major League (MLB) in 2021, Ha-seong Kim was recognized as a top-notch shortstop. In particular, last year, he was even nominated for the National League Gold Glove. The best shortstop who dominated Korean professional baseball was proudly recognized in the big leagues..
2023 is different. There is a high possibility that he will play as a second or third baseman instead of the shortstop position he has secured so far. This is because San Diego acquired Zander Bogarts (31), the league’s top shortstop, during the offseason.
In terms of defense alone, Kim Ha-seong is not far behind Bogatz. Bogarts is known for his narrow range and many errors among major league shortstops.
You can also see this by comparing Defensive Run Saved (DRS), an overall defensive metric that indicates how much a player is helping the team compared to the average player at that position. Last year, Kim Ha-sung’s DRS was 10. He was tied for fourth among shortstops with 1000 or more innings pitched. Bogatz, on the other hand, was only 5.
But priority is given to Bogarts, whose ransom is much higher. Bogarts signed a contract for 280 million dollars (approximately 370 billion won) in 11 years while wearing a San Diego uniform. Even though Kim Ha-seong is a better shortstop, he has no choice but to give up his position.
It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t sad. However, Kim Ha-seong calmly accepted his position change with his unique optimistic personality.
Ha-seong Kim, who met with local reporters at the San Diego Fanfest held at Petco Park in San Diego, California on the 5th, said, “I heard that you will often play as second baseman.” I wish I could be called “”,” he joked. 바카라
From Kim Ha-seong’s point of view, it’s not bad either. This is a great opportunity for him to show his ability to digest multiple positions. If he proves that he can also do well at second base or third base, he could increase his utilization just as much. Recently, in MLB, the value of multiplayer, which allows multiple positions, is rapidly increasing.
If you play second baseman, who has less defensive burden than shortstop, you can focus more on hitting. Ha-seong Kim also said, “As for the second baseman, the throw distance is short, so the burden is less.”
No matter what position he takes, Kim Ha-seong is full of confidence. He thinks he can compete and win at any time. 2023 is a series of new challenges. However, with his positive mindset and thorough preparation, he is ready to overcome it.