“Ha Sung Kim is a player to watch.”
As Ha-Sung Kim (San Diego Padres) has developed into one of the best offensive second basemen in the majors this season, his 4+1 year, $39 million contract looks like a steal. Kim’s original four-year deal ends after the 2024 season, and he has a mutual option for 2025.
“Between his defense and offense, Kim has developed into not only the Padres’ team MVP, but one of the National League’s MVPs,” MLB TradeRumors said on March 3 (ET). FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference WAR were also mentioned. Through three days, Baseball-Reference has him at 6.1, good for sixth in the majors. His recent struggles have caused his ranking to drop, but he’s still a top-tier player.
With such a high value, there’s no reason for Kim to sign a one-year, $8 million extension with San Diego after the 2024 season. In fact, 2024 should be considered a pre-free agency season. Unless he regresses dramatically next year from this season, he’s a lock for free agency. Kim won’t turn 30 until 2025.
At that point, San Diego’s position will be in the spotlight. Juan Soto is eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. However, according to MLB Trade Rumors, the Padres should also be interested in keeping Kim.온라인카지노
“While Ha-Sung Kim didn’t save San Diego this year, he could be a factor in future postseason challenges given that he’s signed for just $8 million next year. He could end up like Soto, who is a free agent after the 2024 season.”
MLB Trade Rumors continued, “All eyes will be on San Diego to see if they rebuild for the future and make contract offers to their prospective free agents (Kim and Soto), or if they go all-in for the 2024 season, when both are under contract. With all the attention on free agency, Kim is definitely a player to watch.”
For Kim, it’s not just about the rest of the year, but ultimately the 2024 season. His performance next year will determine his salary for the next few years. It will also be interesting to see if he sticks to second base or moves back to shortstop. Recently, American media outlets have argued that it would be better to change Zander Bogaerts’ position and return Ha-Sung Kim to shortstop.