Infielder Kim Ha-seong, 29, is attracting considerable interest in free agency. Despite the risk of shoulder surgery, several teams are interested in him. ‘Super agent’ Scott Boras (72) also expressed confidence.
The New York Post published a ranking of the top 40 free agents in Major League Baseball this winter on Nov. 8, and predicted signings. In the top 40 free agents ranked by renowned journalist John Hayman, Kim Ha-seong was ranked 32nd.
Heyman said, “The excellent middle infielder is said to be very popular in the market. The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams interested,” predicting a two-year, $20 million contract.
The Dodgers are not the only team interested in Kim, as new president of baseball operations Buster Posey has expressed his desire to add a middle infielder. While starting pitching is a top priority for the Dodgers, they are also interested in adding outfield depth, having been linked to “shortstop extraordinaire” Willy Adames.
After winning the World Series,
The Dodgers exercised veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas’ $5 million club option for next year. Mookie Betts, who has played right field since returning from injury, also wants to return to the infield next year. With infield utility Todd Edmon also available, the Dodgers don’t have a pressing need at shortstop, and it’s unlikely that Kim will go.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays have also reportedly expressed interest in Kim, but San Francisco is the likely destination. Tyler Fitzgerald, who started at shortstop in the second half of the season, has shown defensive insecurities at the position, 토토사이트 and the Giants are looking at him as a second baseman for the long term.
MLB.com also reported on July 7 that “it’s very likely that the Giants will land a free agent shortstop like Adames or Ha-Sung Kim. Kim has been linked to San Francisco in several ways. He played with center fielder Lee Jung-hoo in South Korea and played for Bob Melvin in the San Diego Padres organization. Unlike Adames, Kim didn’t receive a qualifying offer from San Diego, so the Giants don’t have to give up a draft pick to acquire him, which is why they’re likely to sign him.
Kim’s postseason right shoulder labrum surgery is the biggest factor in his free agency evaluation, but Boras expressed confidence. Boras, who attended the Major League Baseball General Managers’ meetings in San Antonio, Texas, said, “Kim is receiving widespread interest. All teams are aware of his return date. They’ve seen the reports, they’re very comfortable with the medicals,” he said, adding that he is confident that the shoulder rehabilitation will not be late.
Meanwhile, Heyman’s free agent rankings are:
No. 1 outfielder Juan Soto, No. 2 pitcher Corbin Burns, No. 3 shortstop Willy Adames, No. 4 third baseman Alex Bregman, No. 5 pitcher Max Fried, No. 6 pitcher Blake Snell, No. 7 first baseman Pete Alonso, No. 8 outfielder Anthony Santander, No. 9 pitcher Zach Flaherty, and No. 10 pitcher Sean Manaea.
“Nearly every big-market team was in the mix, including the New York Yankees and New York Mets,” said Heyman, who predicted a whopping 14-year, $630 million contract for Maxwell Soto. The Dodgers, San Francisco, Toronto, Boston Red Sox, and a surprise team, the Tampa Bay Rays, are also in the mix.” ”Considering Shohei Ohtani’s (LA Dodgers) $700 million contract is valued at $437.4 million due to $680 million in deferred payments, Soto would be the most valuable contract ever signed.
At No. 3, “shortstop extraordinaire” Adames’ contract was projected to be seven years and $180 million. “The athletic Adames is looking for more than $200 million,” Heyman said. The Dodgers, San Francisco, and Atlanta Braves have been among the teams that have been linked to him in trade discussions. A willingness to move him to third base would increase his market value.