Run? What? The dilemma of Kim Ha-sung, the highest-paid player in the MLB team's stolen base
Jul 25, 2025
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Kim Ha-sung (30), who receives the highest annual salary (13 million dollars, about 18 billion won) this year in the Tampa Bay Rays in the Major League Baseball, is in a dilemma.
First of all, I came back from a long rehabilitation after a shoulder injury last year, but the feeling of hitting is rarely revived. In the meantime, he is actively trying to steal bases, one of his specialties, to contribute to the team's offense, and whenever he does, abnormal signals continue to occur in his body.
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This background situation is pushing Kim Ha-sung into a dilemma.
Responsibility as the highest-paid player who barely joined after half of the season, ambition for a big hit in the next FA market, and team atmosphere that tries to steal whenever there is a chance. In line with this, Kim Ha-sung runs hard with his colleagues. So far, it can be said that the mind set of a very good professional player.
However, I overlooked that the durability of the body has decreased significantly due to long rehabilitation. Muscles in major areas such as calves, thighs, and waist are unable to withstand stolen bases and sliding that require instantaneous explosive movement.
Kim Ha-sung was rehabilitated for about seven months after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder joint in October last year and returned to practice through a minor league triple-A rehabilitation game on May 27. Until then, only individual training had been conducted.
In the process of personal rehabilitation, stretching, weight training, and Pilates can strengthen muscles and joints or increase flexibility. However, it is difficult to engage in actual training such as stealing and running base. The tension between muscles and joints that occurs at this time can only be experienced in practice.
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However, Kim Ha-sung cannot be the only one who can seal the stolen base. It's not in line with the team's tone. Tampa Bay is ranked first among the 30 major league teams with 136 steals (34 failed) as of the 25th. It is 18 more than the second-place Chicago Cubs (118).
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But this year has changed. In fact, it is ambiguous to say that this was led by director Cash. Two 'extraordinary high-profile's took the lead and installed stolen bases as a trend in team attacks. Jose Caballero (33), who ranks first overall in the league, and Chandler Simpson (31), who ranks third overall, are the main players. They led 47% of the team's stolen bases, turning Tampa Bay into the team of steals. On top of that, Jake Mangum (14) and Taylor Walls (13) have double-digit stolen bases.
Kim Ha-sung, who returned to the Major League on July 5, cannot fall into this trend. This is because before the injury, Kim Ha-sung was the second most sad 'Pro Stiller'.
He made 38 steals (152 games) with the San Diego Padres in his best form in 2023. It ranks fifth in the National League and seventh overall in the league. Last year, he also had 22 stolen bases in 121 games before being hurt before Colorado on Aug. 19.
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After all, for Kim Ha-sung, stealing is a skill like a fatal nature. Even though he has been injured enough to threaten his career, he plays because he has another opportunity. It's an area of confidence that much. However, now it seems that he should evaluate his physical condition coolly and refrain from stealing.
Since returning on the 5th, he has already suffered minor injuries due to stolen bases twice. There is a possibility that there will be a bigger injury next time. As a result, if they enter the long-term injured list, they will not be able to avoid the disgrace of 'FA Eat and Run' in Tampa Bay. Of course, it is difficult to succeed in the FA re-entry. For the time being, he should focus on restoring competitiveness from the bat rather than stealing.
Reporter Lee Won-man wman@sportschosun.com
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
