Opt-out hit, conditions are complete. Kim Ha-sung, who overcame the Tampa Bay nightmare and made the Atlanta Dream, returned home on the 9th. Start building up body compared to FA

Oct 03, 2025

Opt-out hit, conditions are complete. Kim Ha-sung, who overcame the Tampa Bay nightmare and made the Atlanta Dream, returned home on the 9th. Start building up body compared to FA



Opt-out hit, conditions are complete. Kim Ha-sung, who overcame the Tampa Bay nightmare and made the Atlanta Dream, returned home on the 9th. Start building up body compared to FA
Kim Ha-sung, who achieved a dramatic rebound in Atlanta, will return to Korea ahead of the FA challenge and take a breather.

Summit Management, Kim Ha-sung's domestic management company, said on the 2nd that Kim Ha-sung will return home through Incheon International Airport early on the 9th. Kim Ha-sung is expected to develop a strategy to cope with the upcoming stove league market while preparing for the next season by raising his physical condition on the domestic stage.

Kim Ha-sung went between extremes this season. Kim Ha-sung, who boldly came to the FA market last winter despite rehabilitating shoulder surgery in the stove league, left the San Diego Padres after twists and turns, signing a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.




But as a result, Tampa Bay's choice was a handshake. It didn't go well with Tampa Bay. He was only able to return in July, later than expected, due to an injury during rehabilitation in Triple-A of the minor league.

Opt-out hit, conditions are complete. Kim Ha-sung, who overcame the Tampa Bay nightmare and made the Atlanta Dream, returned home on the 9th. Start building up body compared to FA
The ordeal continued even after his return in July. He was on the injured list twice due to injuries to his calf and waist, and in the process, his batting sense did not recover. In the end, while playing 24 games for Tampa Bay, his batting average was only 0.214.

In the end, the worst came to an end. Tampa Bay released Kim Ha-sung by September. However, for Kim Ha-sung, this decision was the key to opening the clue to the rebound. The Atlanta Braves, who lack shortstop attack power, recruited Kim Ha-sung.




Kim Ha-sung was miraculously revived in Atlanta. At the same time, he showed strong defensive deterrence and completely changed in attack from Tampa Bay.

Kim Ha-sung's batting average has risen to 0.253 since September when he started playing for Atlanta. On top of that, he showed Atlanta's desire for a shortstop with three home runs and 12 RBIs. As a result, the market's evaluation of Kim Ha-sung has also changed.

Opt-out hit, conditions are complete. Kim Ha-sung, who overcame the Tampa Bay nightmare and made the Atlanta Dream, returned home on the 9th. Start building up body compared to FA
Originally, Kim Ha-sung can play for Atlanta next year for $16 million in annual salary because his contract with Tampa Bay is valid. At the same time, if you choose to opt out after this season, you will be able to regain your FA status and come to the market.




Given the appearance of Tampa Bay, the main prediction was that it would be difficult to declare an opt-out. However, market valuations have been revised as it has regained its former vitality in offense and defense by recovering from a healthy appearance in Atlanta. Just in time, the Major League FA market lacks adequate shortstop resources this winter. Kim Ha-sung is in a situation where he can earn reflective profits.

Kim Ha-sung's agent is Scott Boras, famous for his "Devil Agent". Boras is a headache for the club, but he has an outstanding ability to bring about a favorable contract for the player. For this reason, the prospect that Kim Ha-sung may boldly enter the market in the stove league is gaining convincing power. Of course, Atlanta could offer a long-term contract. Kim Ha-sung is expected to decide his future by checking various variables while conducting training in Korea.





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.