Kim Ha-sung, who kicked 23.5 billion won, is ranked eighth in the FA rankings, but the market is still still
Dec 02, 2025
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Kim Ha-sung, who has entered the FA market again, has consistently received good reviews in the U.S. Due to this evaluation, it is even observed that Kim Ha-sung rejected the guaranteed $16 million (about 23.5 billion won) player option at the Atlanta Braves and declared himself an FA again.
However, we cannot guarantee that these positive reviews and rosy prospects will necessarily lead to reality. In particular, there are concerns that Kim Ha-sung may not win a bigger-than-expected contract as the Major League Stove League is perceived to be strained this winter. Every decision depends on the market's choice that changes from time to time.
First of all, the evaluation of Kim Ha-sung is not bad. Recently, another good evaluation came out. USA Today announced last November 30th (Korea time) 'MLB FA Beast Power Ranking 20', where Kim Ha-sung proudly ranked 8th. The highest-ranking name on the list is Kyle Tucker, the biggest fish in the FA market this winter.
Bob Bissett, the main shortstop who led the Toronto Blue Jays to the second place in the World Series, was ranked second. Bisset is the same shortstop as Kim Ha-sung. Therefore, he has often been involved with Kim Ha-sung since the FA market opened. Kim Ha-sung was rated second only to Bisset. In this power ranking, Bissett was also evaluated as the number one shortstop and the second-best value among all FA hitters.
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"Kim Ha-sung then made the difficult decision to reject the $16 million player option in 2026. But he can still be the main shortstop on any team, even a fairly good one", he explained.
The overall tone is very positive and hopeful. There is no disagreement that Kim Ha-sung is an objectively excellent shortstop and batter if he only shakes off the injury issue. If so, we are poised to watch more on some variables.
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In the end, Kim Ha-sung is surrounded by good evaluation and is waiting for specific proposals from the clubs. However, no specific proposal has been made yet. Because it's not the right time yet. Even if he is second among shortstop, he is eighth overall. Even pitchers are not in the rankings.
This means that we have to wait quite a long time for attention to Kim Ha-sung in the FA market. There is a possibility that no specific proposal for Kim Ha-sung will come out until at least the end of this month.
Reporter Lee Won-man wman@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
