Kim Ha-sung to TB took a breather in Boras gambling. Will he make a big hit in the FA's second try like Snell

Jan 30, 2025

AFP Yonhap News

A typical Boras-style contract, will Kim Ha-sung succeed like Snell.

Kim Ha-sung, who was on the verge of 'FA Mia', succeeded in getting a job. The new team is the Tampa Bay Rays.

Local media, including the U.S. sports media 'ESPN', reported on the 30th (Korea time) that FA shortstop Kim Ha-sung signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay for a total of $29 million.

If such news comes out from the local area, it is safe to say that Kim Ha-sung's new team has been decided, contrary to the reports of possibilities so far.

The conditions also came out in detail. The first year of this season's contract is $13 million and the 2026 season is $16 million. What's important is opt-out. You can only play for one year in the 2025 season and apply for FA again.

Kim Ha-sung signed a surprise contract with agent Scott Boras 'The Giant' ahead of this offseason. There is an aftermath of shoulder surgery, but the intention was to join hands with Boras, who is good at long-term contracts, to seek a large contract worth more than $100 million.

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However, Kim Ha-sung's health condition, which can be missed in the first half of the year, was questionable, and the news of the contract itself, let alone a long-term contract, made Kim Ha-sung frustrated. However, he was able to take a breather by joining hands with Tampa Bay.

Boras also tried to give long-term contracts to many star-studded customers last year, except for Lee Jung-hoo, who signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. Clubs rebelled against Boras' overly aggressive negotiations. So Boras recommended a deal with opt-out conditions for many players two years later and a year later. After a year of performance, he wanted to make a big hit through re-examination.

A representative player is Snell, who was Lee Jung-hoo's teammate. Snell turned down a six-year, $150 million offer from the New York Yankees last year. Clubs hesitated to sign more than $200 million in contracts with questions about Snell's health. Snell signed a two-year, $64 million contract with San Francisco and agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers after capturing the hearts of the clubs with overwhelming pitching in the second half.

Even if Kim Ha-sung also has more absences in the first half, if he shows his ability in the second half, he can expect a 'FA re-entry jackpot' next year.

Meanwhile, Kim Ha-sung will be named the highest salary in Tampa Bay this season. The team's status has become solid.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.