If he keeps his grades as it is now, another jackpot world of 100 million dollars (about 130 billion won) may be opened to Ha-seong Kim. Is this really fluttering for nothing?
On the 28th (hereinafter Korean time), Ha-seong Kim started as second baseman in the match against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ‘2023 Major League’ held at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, and played an active part with 3 hits and 2 RBIs in 5 at-bats. With this, Kim Ha-seong raised his season record to a batting average of .258 (62 hits in 240 bats), 8 homers, 28 RBIs, and OPS of .748.
In June, Kim Ha-seong’s blow is exploding. In particular, as he recently hit 3 homers in 5 games, he is now at a stage where he can show off his slugging power. His June performance reached a batting average of 2.9 5 Lee (23 hits in 78 at-bats), 3 homers, 10 RBIs, and an OPS of .824. The breakthrough in June made Kim Ha-seong establish himself as the spearhead of San Diego’s attack.
Even in the league as a whole, Kim Ha-seong’s offensive power is one of the best. Based on the second baseman, Ha-seong Kim is included in the ‘Top 10’ when lined up with long hits and hitting production such as OPS and home runs. The defense is not talking about ‘top 10’, but the top. Not only the spectacular performance that can be seen, but also the data backing it up.
Outs Above Average (OAA) +7, the number of outcounts against average at the second base position, is second overall, and DRS (Defensive Run Saved), the number of runs prevented by defense, is +9, which is equivalent to first in the league. Including both shortstop and third baseman ) OAA +9 and DRS +15. No matter where he is placed in the infield, Kim Ha-seong is showing off his above-average, top-notch defense.
Ha-sung Kim’s annual salary this year is $7 million. It is the amount corresponding to the 12th place in the team. However, in ‘Fangraph’, Kim Ha-seong is already converting the value of 19.2 million dollars (about 25.1 billion won) this year. Based on the fan graph, WAR (contribution to victory over substitutes) is 2.4, ranking third on the team after Fernando Tatis Jr. (3.3) and Juan Soto (3.2). He is doing more than his salary.
Already, everyone recognizes Kim Ha-sung’s contribution to the team based on his defensive power. On top of that, his striking productivity has also improved. As he entered his third year in the major leagues, he seems to be adapting, and he is even showing off his hitting ability, which was the “king of peace” in the KBO league.
When he entered the major leagues in 2021, he signed a 4+1 year contract worth up to $39 million (about 51 billion won), and this year’s annual salary is $7 million (about 9.1 billion won). He will receive an annual salary of $8 million (approximately 10.4 billion won) next season and an $8 million mutual option for 2025. The contract will be extended if the player and the club agree.
However, at Ha-sung Kim’s current pace, there is no reason to choose a mutual option. He needs to be evaluated by the market in a situation where he is already playing an active role at more than twice and close to three times the current ransom. 스포츠토토
A player like Kim Ha-seong, who is capable of dedication at all infield positions and shows off the face of a hustle player, can be loved by any club. The measure of love can be a ransom. His 1994-year-old brother, Jake Cronenworth, signed a contract of 80 million dollars (approximately 104.6 billion won) in 7 years this year.
If the current pace continues until next year, Kim Ha-seong may sign a contract for a higher price than Cronenworth. Even if it is not San Diego, the opportunity to sit on the money cushion is open to Ha-seong Kim. Hopes are growing that that target could be $100 million.