Sports media “The Athletic” mentioned the possibility of Cleveland Guardians recruiting Kim Ha-sung (San Diego Padres) in a trade through a trade on the 12th. The media explained, “Kim Ha-sung could be an interesting option (for Cleveland).” 동행복권파워볼
The possibility of Kim Ha-sung’s trade has been raised even before the start of the season. If the San Diego Padres, which has lost much financial leeway, cannot afford to secure Kim Ha-sung, who can apply for a free agent right after the end of this season, they should benefit from the trade. As Kim Ha-sung, who shot his career high last season, he seemed highly likely to have some chance. However, when asked about Kim Ha-sung, San Diego’s general manager A.J. Preller said, “I will leave the door open,” but expressed reservations, saying, “This is the same for any player other than Kim Ha-sung.” While leaving open the possibility of a trade, he showed his willingness not to send it unless it is a satisfactory offer.
It was obvious. Kim Ha-sung has already become an indispensable part of the team’s roster. San Diego manager Bob Melvin sent Xander Bogaerts to second base ahead of this season, bringing Kim back to shortstop. Melvin gave strength to Kim Ha-sung, who occupies an absolute position in San Diego’s infield defense. Especially now that Bogaerts is out for the season, Kim’s importance has increased.
The problem is batting. At the game against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday, Kim had no hit in four times at bat, and his batting average fell to 0.222. However, if you look closely, it cannot be said that Kim has a bad productivity in the compatriot position.
Kim has an on-base percentage of 0.336 and a slugging percentage of 0.393. The OPS, which adds up to the on-base percentage and the slugging percentage, is 0.729. He has 44 strikeouts, but has 41 walks, excelling in pioneering skills, and has successfully stolen base 14 out of 16 stolen bases. With nine homers so far, double-digit home runs are certain to be achieved unless there are variables such as injuries.
Like Gunner Henderson (Baltimore Orioles) and Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers), he is displaying stellar performance among shortstop players. Above all, given the current performance of Cleveland shortstop players, Kim Ha-sung could be a much better option.
Cleveland batters’ wRC+ (adjusted scoring capacity) for this season is 108, the eighth best among the 30 teams. However, shortstop wRC+ ranked 27th overall in the Major League with 76. The Cleveland shortstop position, where Brian Lochio (batting average of 0.213 with one homer and 11 RBIs) is the main player and Gabriel Arias (batting average of 0.214 with two homers and 11 RBIs), is showing overall difficulties in offense. The San Diego shortstop’s wRC+ is 116, ranking 10th overall, which is all thanks to Kim Ha-sung. Citing a report by The Athletic, Sports Illustrated said on Sunday, “Kim Ha-sung can be an excellent option in defense. Of course, his batting average is low, but other indicators are solid.”
Realistically, however, chances are not high that the San Diego Padres will trade Kim Ha-sung. As of Tuesday, San Diego ranks second in the National League West with 37 wins and 35 losses. It has 6.5 games with the LA Dodgers (42 wins and 27 losses), but it still has ample possibility for the postseason as it ranks right after the Atlanta Braves (35 wins and 30 losses) in the wild card race. Under such circumstances, it is not easy to trade Kim Ha-sung, who accounts for a large portion of the team’s power.
The Athletic also said that there is a possibility that Cleveland will seek Beau Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays along with Kim Ha-sung. Bichette has a batting average of 0.240 with four homers and an OPS of 0.633, but since Toronto is in fourth place in the American League East and has a gap of more than 10 games with the leading New York Yankees, some say that it could announce its rebuilding early and put all of its players on the trade market, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. It is part of this that he traded infielder Cavan Biggio to the Los Angeles Dodgers.