San Diego puts Kim Ha-seong up for sale ahead of free agency after the season
San Diego Padres Kim Ha-seong (29) expressed his opinion on the trade rumors that continued throughout this winter.
Ha-seong Kim appeared at the San Diego Spring Camp, which is underway at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona, USA, on the 13th (Korean time).
The pitchers and catchers began training the day before, and the fielders begin spring camp in earnest on the 17th. On this day, Ha-seong Kim visited the training ground in advance and prepared his body.
Ha-seong Kim and Woo-seok Ko, who signed with San Diego in the off-season, will play the opening game in Korea. The opening two-game MLB game between San Diego and the Dodgers will be held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 20th and 21st of next month.
Ha-seong Kim said in an interview with San Diego local radio station 97.3 The Fan, “I am excited about the first MLB game being held in Korea and meeting Korean fans. “It will be fun,” he said.
Ha-seong Kim played 152 games in the 2023 season, his third year in the United States, and achieved excellent results with a batting average of 0.260, 140 hits, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 84 runs, and 38 stolen bases.
He showed off his outstanding skills in defense and won the Gold Glove, MLB’s most prestigious award that evaluates only defensive skills. Ha-Seong Kim, who played second base, third base, and shortstop, won the National League (NL) Utility Division Golden Glove.
Ha-seong Kim said, “(Utility ability) is my strength in MLB. “I have confidence that he can do well in any position,” he said, adding, “I will play in games this year as well, depending on the team situation.”
Ha-Sung Kim was classified as a trade target after the season despite posting his best performance since his MLB debut, and was embroiled in transfer rumors during the off-season. Local media predicted that San Diego, which is downsizing due to financial problems, will trade Kim Ha-seong, who can enter the free agent market after this season.
Ha-seong Kim has a mutual option with the San Diego club in 2025, but it is unlikely that he will delay exercising his free agency rights at a time when his price has skyrocketed.
Regarding the trade, Ha-seong Kim said, “There is nothing I can do about the trade. “It’s up to the club to take care of it,” he said. “I will do my best to prepare and go to the game.”
Ha-seong Kim also expressed his anticipation for the match with his close junior, Jeong-hoo Lee (San Francisco Giants), who is scheduled to make his big league debut this year. He said, “(Lee) Jung-hoo will definitely do well by coming to MLB to promote Korean baseball more. “I’m really looking forward to playing together.”
In order to help teammate Go Woo-seok adapt, he must become a special helper. Ha-Seong Kim said, “I think baseball will take care of itself without me having to tell it. I try to get along with the players and help them adapt. “It will make you feel comfortable when you come out to the baseball field.” 고스톱