“The possibility of contract extension with San Diego is low.”
The official website of the U.S. Major League Baseball stated that the San Diego Padres must set a very high bar to trade infielder Kim Ha-seong (29).
On the 16th (Korean time), MLB.com analyzed the second baseman category among the 2024 season San Diego roster (player list) and pointed out the possibility of Kim Ha-seong being traded.
The media pointed out that “Kim Ha-seong loves playing in San Diego, and San Diego also loves him,” but added, “Despite Kim Ha-seong’s status as one of the most beloved players, there are many questions about 2024.”
Ha-seong Kim signed a four-year, $28 million contract with San Diego ahead of the 2021 season. There is a mutual option with the club in 2025, the fifth year, but Kim Ha-seong, whose value has risen significantly, is likely to reject it and enter the free agent (FA) market.
The media said, “Ha-seong Kim will hit the market next winter as one of the most productive infielders in the Major League. “His price will not be cheap,” he said. “Kim Ha-seong is the fan’s favorite player and one of the team’s most loved members. He explained the value of Ha-seong Kim, saying, “He is in his prime and can play multiple positions.”
As San Diego is downsizing due to financial issues, he put a question mark on Kim Ha-seong's contract extension with San Diego, saying, "The possibility is small, but it cannot be completely ruled out."
More emphasis was placed on the possibility of a trade rather than an extension contract.
The media said, “Ha-seong Kim will receive an annual salary of $8 million in 2024. “This is a very cheap price, and 29 other teams can increase their power by recruiting Ha-seong Kim, who is versatile and plays excellent defense in three positions (second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman),” he predicted.
However, if Ha-Seong Kim leaves, San Diego cannot avoid the blow.
The media said, “Ha-seong Kim performed consistently by skillfully filling various positions in an infield that was rife with all kinds of injuries last year,” and pointed out that Ha-seong Kim is also attracting attention in the ‘Seoul Series’, the regular season opening game between San Diego and the LA Dodgers, to be held in March. all.
In the end, he said, “If San Diego does not receive significant compensation, a trade will not be possible,” emphasizing that there must be a reasonable benefit from the trade as it offers Kim Ha-seong.
“It’s not bad to hear trade offers. San Diego's infield is full and has weak positions. “Kim Ha-seong is a player who will attract considerable attention,” he said. “But considering Kim Ha-seong’s current enormous value, the bar must be set very high. “In any trade negotiations, San Diego should ask for an impact player with plenty of time left until free agency,” he wrote.
The media predicted that if Kim Ha-seong is not traded, he may play third base at the beginning of the 2024 season. San Diego starting third baseman Manny Machado is recovering after undergoing elbow surgery late last year. He predicted that once Machado's defense becomes available, he will play second base. 19가이드03