The visible results are not impressive. However, Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego) is receiving cheers from fans in his own way on the MLB stage.
As of the 4th (Korean time), Kim Ha-seong has played in 30 games of the season, recording a batting average of 0.221, 3 homers, 9 RBIs, 5 steals, and an OPS of 0.690. The wRC+ (adjusted goal production capacity) is 95 (100 is the average), falling short of last year (105).
Kim Ha-seong, who showed good feelings with a batting average of 0.289 and an OPS of 0.910 in the first 11 games of the season, fell to 0.146 during the remainder of April (15 games). However, with the release of a homerun gun in May, it is gradually regaining the sense of hitting.
However, a closer look at the detailed indicators tells a different story. In particular, his long-term defense is still at the top of the league. Kim Ha-seong, who moved from shortstop to second baseman this season with the recruitment of Zander Bogatz (31), recorded a defense index OAA (Outs Above Average) of 3 through Statcast, leading the major leagues at that position. He is now able to re-challenge for the Gold Glove, which he missed last year.
In the defensive WAR (contribution to victory over substitute players) of the baseball statistics site Baseball Reference, Ha-seong Kim ranked 6th overall with 0.6. Based on this, the overall WAR is 1.0, which is on par with former MVPs such as Mookie Betts (31, LA Dodgers) and Aaron Judge (31, New York Yankees) among fielders as of the 4th. Of course, the two players are not as spectacular as the past at the beginning of the season, but in any case, it can be seen that Kim Ha-seong is contributing to the team as much as they are in the first month.메이저놀이터
Accordingly, San Diego fans are also sending hot reactions to Kim Ha-sung. Every time he stepped into the plate, the San Diego fans at Petco Park, his home stadium, roared, “Ha Sung Kim!” chanting the name
In particular, in the game against Cincinnati on the 2nd, after hitting a final 3-run home run at the end of the 5th inning when the score was tied 3-3, fans called for a curtain call by calling Ha-seong Kim. Nelson Cruz (43), the oldest member of the team, pushed him on the back, and Kim Ha-seong raised both hands in response. Fans celebrated his home run with a standing ovation.
Teammates also send affection to Kim Ha-sung. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, a U.S. media outlet, after the game against Cincinnati on the 2nd, Fernando Tatis Jr. (24), a star player in the team, said, “How can you not love Kim Ha-seong?” It can be seen that the internal reliability is deep.
For Ha-seong Kim, this season was an opportunity to solidify his position as the starting shortstop, but with the arrival of Bogatz, it was also a crisis in which he could be pushed out of the starting lineup. However, he faithfully contributes to his team based on what he can do well.