A match with Ohtani? You don’t know because baseballs are round.”
Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres), a “Korean big leaguer,” has emerged as a top-notch shortstop after only two seasons in the American big leagues. Last year, he left a strong impression on baseball fans around the world by showing off his outstanding skills in batting along with his excellent defense.
At the time of the 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC), he was the youngest member of the national team. Now, six years later, he has proudly established himself as a representative star of Korean baseball. It is not wrong to say that the fate of Korean baseball, which dreams of a splendid revival through the WBC tournament, rests on Kim Ha-sung’s shoulders.
Kim Ha-seong is also raising his body quickly while watching the WBC. Kim Ha-seong, who is in the process of personal training in Korea, imagines the moment he hits the ball with Ohtani Shohei (29, LA Angels), a “Japanese baseball genius.” Korea competes with Japan in Group B of the 1st round of the WBC finals to advance to the 2nd round (March 10).
Kim Ha-seong has never had a formal pitching match against Ohtani in the big leagues. He has the confidence that he can hit the ball anytime he hits. This is because he faced many balls as strong as Ohtani in the United States and hit a lot of good balls.
“I don’t know because a baseball is round. Ohtani throws and hits well now in the US, but there are always variables in winning. Besides, the WBC is a tournament held before the start of the season. Players cannot be 100% in physical condition. I don’t think there’s any need to be intimidated by Ohtani. It is more important how well our national team players build their bodies.”
Kim Ha-seong is an absolute player in the national team. That’s why his responsibility is bigger than before. Still, he tries to avoid the burden as much as possible.
“There are many great seniors on the national team, so I try to do my best in what I can. I always have the idea that I have to prepare well because the national baseball team is a position that is both glorious and responsible at the same time.”
Ha-seong Kim, who signed a contract with San Diego in January 2021 for a total of up to $39 million in 4+1 years, has recently been caught up in trade rumors. . San Diego recruited a large player named Xander Bogarts (31) to replace Kim Ha-sung’s main position, shortstop. It is an 11-year, $280 million contract. Ha-seong Kim is realistically likely to give up the shortstop position to Bogatz and move to second base.
In such a situation, there are reports in the local media recently that San Diego may trade Kim Ha-seong to a team desperately in need of a shortstop, such as the Boston Red Sox and the Miami Marlins.
Kim Ha-seong is also well aware of the situation. He admits that he hears a lot too. Still, he tries not to be too conscious. He is of the mind that whatever happens, he is unmoved and accepts it as it is.
“To be honest, it doesn’t feel good to have another player먹튀검증 come to my position. As a team, having Bogarts coming is definitely helpful. I’ve said it countless times before, but the major leagues are always a competition no matter which team you go to. I don’t have any thoughts of going to another team or wanting to go. San Diego is a team I have been with for 2 years and I have adapted, so I believe that if I do well, I will be able to spend a lot of playing time.
” did not Lee Jung-hoo, who won 5 KBO league batting crowns last season, made the final decision to go to the United States through the posting system after the 2023 season. His team, Kiwoom Heroes, has also approved it. When Lee Jung-hu asked for his advice, Kim Ha-seong smiled brightly and said:
“The major league teams seem to have a lot of interest in (Lee) Jung-hoo, and they ask me a lot. If Jung-hoo doesn’t get hurt, he’ll do really well in the major leagues. There is absolutely no worry about the aftermath.”