The value of a player nominated for a trade can be known by looking at the players offered by the opposing team.
Ha-seong Kim of the San Diego Padres often appears in trade rumors from the local media. Ha-seong Kim is classified as ‘surplus power’ in San Diego. The gist of the trade rumor is that San Diego, which has acquired free agent shortstop Xander Bogarts, is using Kim Ha-seong as a trade card to reinforce its quality starting pitcher.
Both clubs are on the lookout. Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins.
Boston is Bogarts’ home team and has yet to bring in a decent shortstop since he left. In addition, starting second baseman and shortstop-turnable Trevor Story has recently undergone elbow surgery and will have to take most of the season off. For Boston, it is worth keeping an eye on Kim Ha-seong, an all-weather infielder.
It is known that the card Boston can offer is Chris Sale. Sale is considered Boston’s ace with 114 career wins, but is a 34-year-old lefty whose decline has been marked by surgery and injuries since 2020. However, it has been confirmed that he has recently regained his health, and it is said that there is a high possibility of a revival.
When it comes to Miami, Pablo Lopez is mentioned. Lopez emerged as a top starter last year, going 10-10 with a 3.73 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 180 innings in 32 games. After completing the 2024 season and becoming a free agent, he is expected to see a significant salary increase this year and next year, and Miami is in an urgent need to reinforce the other line, so it is in the trade market.
MLB.com said on the 14th (Korean time), ‘Lopez can trade with Padres shortstop Kim Ha-sung. Both players have to wait two more seasons to become free agents. Kim Ha-seong said that mutual options are set for 2025. In terms of possibility, it means that both clubs are a ‘win-win’.메이저놀이터
MLB Network reporter John Heyman mentioned the possibility of a trade between Miami and the Minnesota Twins. That is, a trade where Miami gave Lopez to Minnesota for outfielder Max Keplow or infielder Luis Araez. However, reporter Heyman said, “Minnesota doesn’t seem to have much of an intention to let go of last year’s batting champion Araez, and as they recruited a large number of left-handed outfielders this offseason, they can move Kepler.”
San Diego has no plans to send Kim Ha-seong at a loss. He should be seen as negotiating a trade to get the price right. This is because it is difficult for any team to have an infielder as good as Kim Ha-seong for an annual average of $7 million. If the trade doesn’t work, he can be used as a second baseman this year. Plus, third baseman Manny Machado is highly likely to opt out after this season, so he may need to fill in for third base this winter. Kim Ha-seong can also play third base.
Sale will earn an annual salary of $27.5 million this year and next year. Lopez has the potential to become a $30 million ace one day. Ha-seong Kim’s ‘trade value’ can be seen as this. On the other hand, Boston and Miami will see the value of Sale and Lopez as more than Kim Ha-sung, respectively. So it can be a difficult trade.