While he has not been offered a qualifying offer, Kim Ha-sung will appear in the FA (Free Agent) as a free body.메이저놀이터
Multiple local media outlets including "MLB.com " released the list of players who were offered a qualifying offer (QO) of 21.05 million U.S. dollars from their original clubs on Tuesday (Korea time). However, the San Diego Padres did not offer Kim a QO.
Kim Ha-sung, who signed a four-plus-one-year, 39 million-dollar contract with San Diego prior to 2021, had a very difficult season in his first year in the big league. However, the next year, when Fernando Tatis Jr. was injured and caught on a banned drug, he naturally took the starting position, and Kim Ha-sung's value rose vertically as he was selected as the final candidate for the Gold Glove in the National League shortstop category.
In particular, Kim Ha-sung, who spent a career-high season in batting while easing the burden on defense by changing his position to second baseman last year, and who became the first Asian infielder to embrace a gold glove in defense, saw his popularity and value soar to the extent that as many as 17 teams were interested in the trade before this season. In response, some local media predicted that Kim Ha-sung would be able to hold a mega contract worth more than $100 million in his arms.
This year, however, has been a nightmare for Kim. Perhaps his last season in San Diego, with the possibility that he would reject the +1 year mutual option. Kim returned to shortstop, but failed to show off his solid defense capabilities, and his offense ability also dropped noticeably. In addition, he suffered a shoulder injury at the end of the season, failed to return within the postseason, and ended up on the operating table.
Currently, the San Diego Padres hope to be accompanied by Kim. In an interview with multiple U.S. media outlets in the U.S., A.J. Preller, the team's general manager, stressed the need for Kim. However, it seems to have been quite burdensome to promise Kim a large amount of 21.05 million U.S. dollars. It could have been because the team does not have enough money, or it could have judged that it would be impossible to give Kim 21.05 million dollars a year.
The U.S. media sees Kim Ha-sung's return as early as late April, but if the recovery progresses slowly, it may not be possible to see him until July. We cannot give Kim Ha-sung a $21.05 million gamble. In San Diego's current position, either side is understandable.
For Kim Ha-sung, it is positive that he did not receive a qualifying offer. If a player who has been offered a qualifying offer moves to another club through FA qualifications, he or she must pay compensation such as draft nomination rights. This can be a burden to the team that recruits FA players. First of all, Kim Ha-sung was not offered a qualifying offer, so he can search for a destination a little more freely.
Then, how much is Kim Ha-sung's current value? First of all, $100 million has become a "dream" number since he suffered a slump this season, never knowing when he will be able to return or regain his old form. First of all, Team Britain of the U.S. "The Athletic" predicted $72 million for four years (about 99.3 billion won) under Kim Ha-sung's contract and $36 million for two years (about 49.6 billion won) if he opts out. Britain pointed out, "Kim Ha-sung's situation is complicated by the shoulder surgery he underwent at the end of the season. Therefore, the contract model could be a two-year contract that includes the opt-out that Reece Hoskins signed with the Milwaukee Brewers last winter."
However, Major League Trade Rumors' evaluation was different. "MLBTR" evaluated Kim Ha-sung as 43rd in the FA rankings on the 5th, measuring 12 million dollars for a year in ransom. The media said, "Unless it is a shoulder injury that requires surgery, he would have been in the top 10. A healthy Kim Ha-sung will definitely be the main shortstop next year. If the team does not feel anxious about Kim Ha-sung's health prospects, it is highly likely that they will try to sign a contract with him in the long term, including the rehabilitation period."
Soon, however, he said, "We can consider a two-year contract including opt-out. The contract will depend on how Kim Ha-sung's shoulder rehabilitation will proceed. What is certain is that through a one-year contract, if he comes back to the FA market next year without injury, he can open the way for a considerable salary." The Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Detroit Tigers were cited as potential destinations, as well as reuniting with their former San Diego Padres.
Although there are differences in contract amount and size, most prospects are similar. Proving value through a short contract of one to two years and coming back to the market. What kind of contract will Kim Ha-sung get? The stove league will begin in earnest.