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MLB, the official website of the Major League Baseball, released a list of eight surprise stars, including Kim Ha-sung, on the 24th, saying, "There are eight people who revealed their presence in 2023. You will have to remember their names." The media praised Kim Ha-sung, saying, "Kim Ha-sung is the player who showed the most consistent performance."
Kim had the best moment of the year. He played shortstop until last year and was listed as a finalist in the National League Gold Glove, but had to change his position to second baseman in the 2023 season. San Diego signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with FA shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts was one level, both in terms of performance and money, and Kim had to move to second baseman.
Kim Ha-sung, who was assigned to an unfamiliar position, devoted himself to defensive training during the off-season. He devoted more time than ever to become a second baseman, sweating profusely. And Kim has perfectly established himself as a second baseman and has kept the San Diego center line firmly.
San Diego fans were also fascinated by his stable and physical play. Kim produced numerous highlight films and played as a second baseman with built-in San Diego. On top of that, he improved his batting ability and was appointed as a leadoff.
In 152 games, Kim had 17 homers, 60 RBIs, 84 runs scored and 38 stolen bases, a batting average of 0.260 140 hits from 538 times at bat with an on-base percentage of 0.351 with an on-base percentage of 0.398 with an on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of 0.708. It was his first career high season in the Major League in three years.
San Diego had 82-80 losses and a winning percentage of 0.506. It ranked third in the NL West and fifth in the wild card standings, failing to advance to the postseason. However, Kim Ha-sung's performance was the only comfort to San Diego fans.
Since the end of the season, Kim has become the first Korean and first Asian infielder to win a Gold Glove Utility Award. Kim played 856 ⅔ innings as a second baseman, 253 ⅓ innings as a third baseman, and 153 ⅓ innings as a shortstop. With strong defense capabilities, he moved from place to place in the infield. Kim held the golden gloves in his arms, beating prominent competitors such as Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tommy Edman of the St. Louis Cardinals.
"It is also true that changing the position was a burden. However, I was not in a situation where I had to choose the position. The playing time was more important than the position. I tried to do my best wherever I went. I wanted to receive a Gold Glove in the utility category, and I am so happy to receive it like this," Kim said in an official press conference after receiving the award.
Kim Ha-sung's performance was recognized once again in the MVP vote. In the results of the National Baseball Reporters Association's MVP vote on April 17, Kim earned five points by receiving five 10th-place votes. He thus achieved the feat of tying for 14th. Kim Ha-sung is the third Korean player to receive votes in the MVP vote, following Choo Shin-soo and Ryu Hyun-jin.
Kim Ha-sung, who showed tremendous performance. Even in the U.S., he didn't expect Kim to be this good. However, Kim has emerged as one of the best infielders in the league by changing question marks towards him into exclamation points.
MLBcom said, "In the San Diego infield, Kim Ha-sung established himself as the starting shortstop for 2022. However, with Bogartz joining in the offseason, it was unclear whether Kim Ha-sung could play a big role in 2023. Although San Diego was going through an unstable period, Kim Ha-sung became one of the most consistent contributors," introducing Kim Ha-sung's performance.
"Kim Ha-sung won his first Gold Glove. He increased his on-base percentage to 0.351 from 0.325, and increased his stolen bases from 12 to 38 by taking advantage of the new rules in the Major League. This marks the sixth place in the entire Major League. Even though San Diego had a disappointing season, Kim Ha-sung won MVP votes," he said, explaining why he picked Kim Ha-sung as the surprise star.
Meanwhile, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish, Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford, Colorado Rockies fielder Nolan Jones, Texas Rangers pitcher Jordan Montgomery, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steel and Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott were among the surprise stars. 안전놀이터 추천