San Diego Padres Kim Ha-seong (29) leaves for the United States to prepare for the new season.
Summit Management, Kim Ha-seong's agency, announced on the 17th, "Ha-seong Kim will depart for the United States via Incheon International Airport on the 20th."
Ha-Sung Kim is entering his fourth season in the big leagues.
Kim Ha-seong, who has shown steady growth since entering the Major League (MLB), was recognized for his defensive ability last year by becoming the first Asian infielder to win the Gold Glove. Even at the plate, he was active with a batting average of 0.260, 17 home runs, 60 RBI, 84 runs, and 38 stolen bases.
The 2024 season is more important to him than ever.
Ha-seong Kim, who signed a 4+1 year contract worth $39 million with San Diego ahead of the 2021 season, can become a free agent (FA) after this season.
There is a mutual option with the club in 2025, but it is unlikely that Ha-seong Kim will accept it and remain in San Diego. This is because Kim Ha-seong’s value has risen significantly.
If Kim Ha-seong, who ends his guaranteed contract this year, shows better performance this season, he could receive a higher evaluation in the free agent market.
Ha-seong Kim said about the season ahead of free agency at a press conference commemorating his Gold Glove award in November of last year, "There has not been a year that was not important since I started challenging the major leagues. I will do my best to prepare well as I have been doing. The most important thing is not to get hurt. "he said.
Ha-seong Kim, who is leaving for the United States, plans to visit Korea again in March. Kim Ha-seong's team, San Diego, will play the regular season opening game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on March 20-21.
Ha-Seong Kim will face off against Shohei Otani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers, along with Woo-Seok Ko, who has become a partner.
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