“Ha-seong Kim fits the needs of the Marlins because he can be used as a shortstop.”
Ha-seong Kim (San Diego Padres) was nominated for the National League Shortstop Gold Glove this year. Based on the Baseball Reference, the fielding percentage of 0.980 was 5th in the National League shortstop, and the TZR (fielding range) was 4th with 7. He failed to win the award because he was pushed by Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs), but his defensive skills were certainly recognized.
A report by the American media came out that confirmed the changed status of Kim Ha-sung. The East Village Times, a local San Diego media, argued on the 19th 토토 (hereinafter Korean time) that San Diego could try to trade with the Miami Marlins, claiming that Ha-seong Kim was a suitable player for Miami.
The East Village Times mentioned the need for reinforcement, saying that the San Diego starting lineup is highly dependent on Darvish Yu, Blake Snell, and Joe Musgrove. In fact, Darvish and Snell will be eligible for FA at the end of the 2023 season. He predicted that he could recruit young pitchers from Miami.
Then, what should San Diego give to Miami in return? The East Village Times said, “The Marlins want a lineup upgrade. Ha-seong Kim can be used as a shortstop, so he fits the needs of the Marlins.”
Miami has a good shortstop in Miguel Rojas. He was even nominated for the National League Shortstop Gold Glove along with Kim Ha-seong this year. However, the East Village Times said, “Veteran Rojas offers nothing special to Miami.”
He said, “Ha-seong Kim is not famous for his bat so far in the major leagues, but he showed his productivity by playing as the main shortstop in San Diego last season.” If Miami can trade San Diego, it means they could try to retain two Gold Glove shortstops. In fact, Kim Ha-seong is also capable of second and third base.
The East Village Times listed Pablo Lopez, Trevor Rogers, Haesus Luzardo and Edward Cabrera as San Diego’s favorites. Along with Ha-Sung Kim, San Diego selected Trent Grisham as a trade candidate. Although this media’s one-sided claim, it is safe to interpret it as the value of Kim Ha-sung has increased.