Kim Ha-sung had the best year of this season. Above all, he proved his true value by becoming the first Asian infielder to win the Major League Gold Glove. Kim Ha-sung was nominated in two categories: second baseman and utility, but failed to win in second baseman category, losing to Niko Horner of the Chicago Cubs, but was eventually named the ultimate winner of the honor, beating over Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tommy Edman of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Gold Glove was established in 1957 as one of the most prestigious awards in Major League Baseball. Above all, Gold Glove is an award that focuses on “defense” rather than “attack,” and selects a total of 20 best defenders by position in the two major leagues. It is divided into 10 categories including pitcher and catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, right fielder, and utility, and Kim Ha-sung was selected as the winner of the utility category that can play all positions evenly. It was the second time in 13 years since Ichiro Suzuki (2001-2010) won the Gold Glove in the Major League.
As a second baseman, he pitched 856 ⅔ in 106 games (98 starts), 253 ⅓ in 32 games ( 29 starts) as a third baseman, and 153 ⅓ in 20 games ( 16 starts) as a shortstop. He played 1,263 ⅓ in total of three positions, mostly as a second baseman. Nevertheless, he displayed stable defense by playing shortstop or third baseman depending on whether Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado started or not. On top of that, he also displayed strong performance on offense and base, receiving positive love from San Diego fans. 스포츠토토
“In the 2023 season, Kim recorded a batting average of 0.260 with 17 homers and 60 RBIs. He also managed to steal 38 bases,” Yard Barker said. Kim played in 152 games in his third year in the Major League, and posted an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of 0.749 with 140 hits. He recorded the best homers, RBIs and stolen bases all in a single season.
This is not the first time that Kim Ha-sung has been embroiled in trade rumors. MLB Trade Rumors, which deals with the news of the MLB transfer on the 14th, included Kim Ha-sung, referring to 25 players who may be traded during this offseason. MLB Trade Rumors said, “In order for San Diego to retain Juan Soto, it is necessary to trade Trent Grisham and Kim Ha-sung to reduce the overall salary of the team.”
“It’s not as much as Soto will receive next season, but Kim Ha-sung and Grisham are receiving medium-level salaries. Grisham will receive $4.9 million, and Kim Ha-sung will receive $8 million. In the case of Kim Ha-sung, there is a mutual option in 2025, and he will qualify as a free agent next winter,” he said.
“If Kim Ha-sung is sent to another team through trade, Jake Cronenworth can return to second base. We can also leave the first base position to a better hitter,” MLB Trade Lummers said. “However, it will be difficult to replace Kim Ha-sung’s productivity.” Kim Ha-sung is a defender who creates positive effects across all infield positions. If Kim Ha-sung is traded, he can reduce power loss than Soto’s departure, but it is more difficult than breaking up with Grisham.”
