When Gold Glove candidate Ha-Sung Kim (27, San Diego Padres) was not invited to the All-Star Game, the US media went ballistic. Furthermore, it was said that he was untradeable.바카라사이트
‘The Athletic’ reported on the news of Kim’s exclusion from the All-Star Game on the 3rd (KST), saying, “Only pitcher Josh Hader and outfielder Juan Soto were selected to the All-Star Game in San Diego. Kim was almost ignored, along with Fernando Tatis Jr.”.
‘This season, Kim has outperformed every San Diego player except Soto and Tatis. His 2.7 WAR ranks 11th among National League hitters, according to FanGraphs. Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado, who signed for a combined $630 million, have a combined WAR of 2.6,” highlighting Kim’s ability to outperform high-paid players.
The media outlet also said, “Most of Kim’s value has come from his defence. He leads the majors in defensive runs saved,” and “Most encouraging is his offence. The former KBO star has shown impressive adaptability against major league fastballs.
Last year, Kim struggled against fastballs over 95 mph (152.9 km/h), batting .150 with a .227 on-base percentage and .175 slugging percentage. This year, however, he has made a quantum leap, batting .316 with a .458 on-base percentage and .553 slugging percentage. All five of his home runs in his last 10 games have come on fastball-type pitches, indicating that he has fully adjusted to the velocity of major league pitchers.The outlet continues, “Kim is in the third year of a four-year, $28 million contract. The deal also includes a mutual option for 2025, which the Reds would be foolish to pick up if he stays the way he is. Having already invested a lot of money in 2024, San Diego will want to keep Kim’s production for at least one more year. If that happens, there could be some tricky conversations down the road.
The Padres have signed their starting infielders other than Kim to long-term deals, including shortstop Bogaerts, third baseman Machado and first baseman Jake Cronenwirth. With all of them struggling this year, Kim’s value has skyrocketed. “Kim’s value is maximised at shortstop, and Bogaerts isn’t as good a defender as he was last year,” said the media outlet, “and Cronenwirth at first base is performing at a replacement level. San Diego could consider a trade that would take on some of the cost of Cronenwirth’s seven-year, $80 million extension.” The article goes on to list several possibilities.
One thing is for sure: Kim is now untradeable. “He is loved by his teammates and coaches,” the outlet said. Trading him this month or in the offseason would not go over well in the clubhouse or with the fans,” emphasising his irreplaceability.