“Trade candidate Kim Ha-seong, about 17 teams need it” US media

As the possibility of a trade for Kim Ha-seong (29, San Diego Padres) continues to be raised, there are observations that more than half of Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs may show interest.

MLB Trade Rumors, which mainly covers MLB transfer news, said on the 15th (Korean time) in an article titled ‘Trade candidate Kim Ha-seong’, “Kim Ha-seong is already attracting interest from many teams.”

The media said, “Kim Ha-seong will receive an annual salary of 8 million dollars (about 10.5 billion won) in 2024, and there is a mutual option for the 2025 season, so the player and the club decide whether to extend the contract. However, the possibility of executing the option is slim,” he said. “San Diego is in desperate need of recruiting a starting pitcher.” “Trading Kim Ha-seong will create a big hole in the infield, but there is a possibility that Jackson Merrill, the top infield prospect this year, will make it to the big leagues,” he explained.

San Diego, which is experiencing financial problems due to the loss of broadcasting rights revenue due to the bankruptcy of a local broadcasting station, is trying to reduce spending. Accordingly, there is a prediction that San Diego could use Kim Ha-seong, who has little left on his contract, as a trade card.

MLB Trade Rumors said, “Ha-Seong Kim fell short of expectations in his rookie season, but has since shown above-average offense, excellent base running, and top-notch defense. “He also received the Gold Glove in the National League utility category while playing second base, third base, and shortstop,” he said. “Considering this, about half of the clubs may show interest in Ha-seong Kim.”

The media then mentioned 17 clubs as teams that would be interested in Kim Ha-seong.

“Ha-seong Kim, whose annual salary is $8 million, is a good fit for a small market club,” he said, and selected the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Kansas City Royals as candidates.

Teams in need of infield reinforcement, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, LA Angels, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and Miami Marlins, were also considered candidates.

In addition, he added that the Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies are teams that cannot rule out the possibility of recruiting Ha-Seong Kim, although the possibility is not high.

MLB Trade Rumors, which selected Tampa Bay as the most likely team, said, “This is a team that can aim to win the World Series, and it is a small market team. “There is a possibility of going ‘all in’ on the Kim Ha-seong trade,” he predicted.

This media outlet predicted that it is unlikely that Kim Ha-seong will be traded before the start of the season. “Kim Ha-seong will be a central figure in the opening game against the Dodgers to be held at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 20th and 21st,” he said, adding that he expected the trade to take place only after the opening game. 스포츠토토맨