admin“Ha-Sung Kim is an ideal fit.”
Will Ha-Sung Kim (San Diego Padres) be dramatically traded? Reports continue to surface that the San Diego Padres could be on the market for the offseason. For Ha-Sung Kim, a fresh start with a World Series championship team wouldn’t be a bad thing.
On April 29 (ET), TSN listed the Toronto Blue Jays as a realistic trade target. In addition to Ha-Sung Kim, the list includes Steven Matz (St. Louis Cardinals), Tommy Pham (New York Mets), and Aaron Bummer (Chicago White Sox).
Kim was the first to be mentioned. TSN estimated that Toronto would send San Diego right-hander Shea Straves, center fielder Gabriel Martinez, and shortstop Leo Jimenez in exchange for Kim. They noted the need for infield defense and production against lefties.
TSN wrote, “Kim is a shortstop, but there are two or three guys in San Diego who make a lot of money, so he’s established himself as an elite first base defender (DRS +12). His bat has also improved significantly this season. He has one more season of control at age 28 in 2024 and a mutual option for 2015.”
TSN continued, “With a career OPS of 0.796 against lefties, Kim should upgrade the position and increase his production. Given the price of the prospect, he’s an ideal fit.” However, there was no specific mention of the Toronto infield situation. Currently, Toronto’s center field is very solid with shortstop Bo Bissett and second baseman Whit Merrifield. 안전놀이터
San Diego is the favorite to trade closer Josh Hader and starter Blake Snell at this point. Both are free agents after this season. Kim has a little more time until free agency.
Crucially, San Diego would have to make a big business decision to trade Kim. The Dodgers will open the 2024 regular season in Seoul against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Without him, San Diego would be like steamed buns without red beans. Let’s see if Kim and Hyun-jin Ryu (Toronto Blue Jays) can overcome all these variables to become a one-pot meal. The trade deadline is next month on April 2 at 7pm.