That's why we brought Kim Ha Sung? Shocking transfer. It's a great opportunity
Sep 02, 2025
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A shock transfer could be a big opportunity. Kim Ha-sung, who left the Tampa Bay Rays unfortunately, will get a chance to avenge himself with the Atlanta Braves.
Tampa Bay, which signed Kim Ha-sung, who was in FA status in February this year, for two years and $29 million, ended its short companion in seven months. Kim Ha-sung, who has been suffering from frequent injuries this season, was announced on waivers on the 2nd (Korea time), and Atlanta recruited him by making a waivers claim.
With the waiver announcement, Atlanta will take on the remaining contracts between Kim Ha-sung and Tampa Bay. Kim Ha-sung effectively signed a one-plus-one contract. Kim Ha-sung receives a guaranteed salary of $13 million this year and holds the option for the 2026 season contract. He may be eligible for FA, or if Kim Ha-sung chooses to stay, he will receive an annual salary of $16 million in the 2026 season. This is also valid in Atlanta.
'MLB.com ' ended Tampa Bay's brief and disappointing companion to Kim Ha-sung" he expressed. Tampa Bay, a 'Small Market', made a big investment and earned the highest salary in the team, but failed to make good use of Kim Ha-sung. Rehabilitation also took longer than expected, and even after returning, he suffered minor injuries. The postseason was virtually frustrated due to poor team performance. Kim Ha-sung was sent out to ease the annual salary burden.
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Atlanta's shortstop position has been cited as a vulnerability since last year, and it is still the same. Orlando Arcia was released after a slump, and Nick Allen, who overtook Arcia to take the main shortstop position, has an OPS of 0.536 without a home run this season. It is the worst OPS among major leaguers who have played more than 350 games this year. The defense is observed, but the problem has deepened as the offense has fallen too far.
Atlanta has Jurickson Profar, who played with Kim Ha-sung in the San Diego Padres. Wanting to play with Kim Ha-sung in Atlanta, he explained that he has made several recommendations to his teammates.
Profar said in an interview with `The Athletic'"Kim Ha-sung is a really good player. I kept talking about next season, and it happened faster." "Kim Ha-sung is also strong defensively and has a strong offense. He is a player who can get on base. There are a lot of talented players in our team's lineup, and I think adding one more player like that will help a lot"I couldn't hide my expectations.
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The local media also wondered what position Kim Ha-sung would be used in. His main position is shortstop, but he is a former Gold Glove winner in the utility category who can also defend second and third bases.
However, Snitker was adamant. `A shortstop. That's why we brought him here.' He indirectly expressed his sorrow for the team's thirst for the main shortstop.
For Kim Ha-sung, he must recover his honor in Atlanta. First, the first FA contract ended in failure, but the new team can open the second act. It's time to prove because he hasn't been able to fully show his skills as he's been injured big and small. If it comes back to life in Atlanta, the second FA 'Awesome' is only a matter of time.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
