Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) stands on a new starting line. Despite his performance in the previous season, he is determined to face the new challenge and secure a starting position with his skills.
Kim Ha-seong departed for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 27th.
Ha-seong Kim, who is about to start his third season in the big leagues, said before leaving the country, “I was excited and excited, and I prepared hard during the off-season. I will work hard to prepare as there is still time left even after I go to the United States. I hope it will be a good season.” revealed
For Ha-seong Kim, the 2022 season was a time of leap.
While main shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. left due to an injury before the opening game, Ha-seong Kim perfectly played the role of a substitute.
He played 150 games in the 2022 season with a batting average of 0.251, 11 home runs, 59 RBIs and 12 steals, and was responsible for the team’s infield with stable defensive skills. He was also named as one of the three finalists for the Gold Glove shortstop category.
However, a new competition begins in the 2023 season.
During this offseason, San Diego acquired shortstop Xander Bogarts. Kim Ha-seong, who played the role of shortstop last year, is highly likely to change his position to second baseman.
Tatis Jr., who was suspended for taking a banned substance last season, is also set to return.
San Diego general manager AJ Preller also mentioned Ha-seong Kim as a trade card.
In the midst of a fiercer competition, Kim Ha-seong sets out to solidify his position once again.
Kim Ha-seong, who emphasized that “every moment after joining the major leagues was a competition,” said, “I thought of it as a competition during camp, season, and off-season, and tried to work harder than other players. Nothing has changed.”
He said, “Our team says, ‘The goal is for a good player to play on the ground.’ In the end, I have to do well to win the starting competition,” revealing his intention not to be pushed out of the competition.
Kim Ha-seong, who has been on the Korean baseball team for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) to be held in March, will start the spring camp in San Diego first. And in early March he will join the national team.카지노
While he proves his mettle in San Diego, he should also be a key player on his varsity team.
Ha-seong Kim promised, “As much as I prepared hard, I will do my best to catch two rabbits, the WBC and the season. I will do my best to show results.