“The Boston Red Sox should trade first-round pitcher Tanner Hauke (27) for Ha-seong Kim (28, San Diego Padres).”
Veteran reporter Sean McAdam of the Boston Sports Journal, a local media outlet, appeared on a podcast on the 7th (Korean time) and argued that “Boston should recruit Kim Ha-sung.”
Offseason Boston bleeds a lot. In particular, franchise star Xander Bogarts, who played as the team’s main shortstop for 10 years, moved to San Diego as a free agent, creating a void at shortstop.
Boston has shortstop Marcelo Mayer, the top prospect on the team and the 7th overall prospect in the MLB. However, since he played in the top single A until last season, he is not at the level of playing in the big leagues right away. Boston is looking for a market to reinforce a shortstop, and Kim Ha-seong, who gave up the shortstop position with the recruitment of Bogarts, is emerging as a replacement.
McAdam said, “Mayer needs about two more years (to play in the major leagues). Coincidentally, Ha-seong Kim has two more seasons left until he becomes a free agent.”
Ha-seong Kim signed a 4+1 year contract with San Diego ahead of the 2021 season. Kim Ha-seong, who played two seasons in the major leagues, 스포츠토토 is guaranteed a two-year contract period other than an option. McAdam made this argument because it fit perfectly with Mayer’s growing up years.
McAdam said that in order to secure Kim Ha-sung, he needed to attract the attention of San Diego, which is seeking to strengthen the starting lineup. And in return, he chose pitcher Hauk, who was nominated by Boston with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft.
McAdam said, “Boston has to give up Hauk and solve the shortstop problem. Kim Ha-seong provides excellent defense at shortstop, so the center line reinforcement leading to center fielder Kike Hernandez is reinforced.”
“There are two attractive points of Kim Ha-sung. He can play for two years, and the price is reasonable at 7 million dollars (about 8.9 billion won). In addition, Kim Ha-sung’s recruitment can have a lot of meaning because he has excellent defensive skills. “I think this will be the last move Boston will make this offseason.”
The value of Kim Ha-seong is rising day by day. As the trade rumor heats up, I am curious about Kim Ha-sung’s future.