Local media argued that the San Diego Padres should catch FA infielder Kim Ha-sung (30). Kim Ha-sung was needed even considering the Korean market with 50 million people. 토토사이트

The U.S. "S. San Diego Union-Tribune" stressed on the 26th (Korea Standard Time) that "reunion with Kim Ha-sung can benefit the Padres in baseball and financial terms," and that renewing his contract with him is worth more than his power. When Kim Ha-sung rejected the $8 million mutual option in 2025 and became the FA, it seemed unlikely to renew his contract, but San Diego continued to have lingering doubts, and as the year passed and he became an uncontracted status until the end of January, expectations for a reunion rise. 

The San Diego Padres are not making any significant moves this winter. The payroll was full due to overuse of high-priced long-term contracts between 2021 and 2023, and the team started tightening last winter by tightening its belt. To make matters worse, the offseason is becoming increasingly uncertain due to family disputes over the management rights of the team. Major players who were released as free agents from the San Diego Padres, excluding Kim Ha-sung, such as pitcher Tanner Scott (LA Dodgers), catcher Kyle Higashioka (Texas Rangers), infielder Donovan Solano (Seattle Mariners), outfielder Jurickson Profar (Atlanta Braves), have moved their teams. 

On the other hand, there is no reinforcement except for the acquisition of Chicago White Sox pitcher Ron Marinacio in a cash trade on the 25th. Most of the minor league contracts include Baltimore Orioles pitcher Juan Nunez in the Rule 5 draft, veteran catcher Martin Maldonado, KBO league infielder Nico Goodrum, and outfielder Yonathan Peraza. He also lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the recruitment of Japanese monster pitcher Loki Sasaki. 

Against this backdrop, some argued that Kim Ha-sung, who is still in the FA market, should be caught. The San Diego Union-Tribune said, "Kim Ha-sung still remains in the FA market. The fact that he is from Korea can increase the motivation for San Diego to renew his contract. Nexen Tire, a Korean tire manufacturer, signed a three-year partnership as a major sponsor of San Diego. He explained his relationship with the Korean market by saying, "Exclusive tire partner until 2027." 

"San Diego could have business opportunities with other companies doing business in Korea. Padres CEO Eric Gounner said that by recruiting Kim Ha-sung in 2021, he will improve the club's profits through transactions with numerous businesses related to Korea," he said. "The West Coast franchise, San Diego, is closer to Korea than most Major League teams. The Padres game will be broadcast in Korea, which has a population of more than 50 million people. San Diego is likely to consider Kim's profit-making potential when it comes to valuing him. Kim Ha-sung, who played in the KBO for seven years, is still popular in Korea." 

In fact, San Diego also conducted "Korean Marketing" in March last year by producing a 45-minute documentary showing Kim Ha-sung's parents meeting and listening to stories and Kim Ha-sung addressing his alma mater Yatap High School students in line with the "MLB World Tour Seoul Series." The San Diego Union-Tribune argues that although the club's financial situation is currently uncertain, it is a must-see player considering the value of Kim Ha-sung, who has his back on the Korean market. 

In terms of team strength, Kim Ha-sung is also an essential player. The San Diego Union-Tribune said, "Xander Bogaerts is a shortstop in San Diego, but Kim Ha-sung is a better defender. Bogaerts has a much better career as a batter, but it should be noted that his slugging percentage has been declining for five years," adding, "Kim Ha-sung can play on the spot until 18-year-old prospect Leodalis de Vries tries to become the main shortstop. Even if the puzzle is very complicated, San Diego has a reason to find a way to keep Kim Ha-sung." 

He also noted his relationship with Manny Machado, the leader of the San Diego clubhouse. The San Diego Union-Tribune said, "The strong friendship between Kim Ha-sung and Machado is another factor to be considered. Machado has about 280 million U.S. dollars of contract left until 2033. The decision makers of the club seem to value Machado's opinion when forming rosters and coaching staff. Kim Ha-sung said, "I gave a customized hanbok to Machado in Seoul in March last year," adding, "The two players' special relationship could also affect the contract. 

Of course, other teams can also target Kim. The San Diego Union-Tribune said, "The Detroit Tigers are one of the teams that could recruit shortstop, and the Washington Nationals have a strong relationship with Kim Ha-sung's agent Scott Boras. Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said, "We need to determine whether shortstop CJ Abrams' poor defense last season has changed to another position."