“Ha-seong Kim should be placed at third base, not second base or shortstop.”
March 20, 2024. Where will Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres) stand at the Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome Ground in the first inning? It is highly likely that he will be a third baseman, not a second baseman or a shortstop. This is not because of Xander Bogaerts’ position change, but because of the injury to starting third baseman Match Machado.
As soon as this season ended, Machado underwent elbow surgery performed by Dr. Neil Elatrace in Los Angeles, USA. He was left out of the starting lineup or served as a designated hitter at the end of this season due to elbow pain. Each time, Ha-Seong Kim played as the starting third baseman.
The surgery was performed early this month. The American media predicted that rehabilitation would take 4 to 6 months. Therefore, there is a high possibility that he will not be in normal condition before the opening ceremony in Seoul next year. In the worst case, domestic fans may not be able to see Machado batting in front of their eyes.스포츠토토
Machado signed an 11-year, $350 million (approximately 473.7 billion won) extension contract ahead of this season. In 138 games, 140 hits in 543 at-bats, a batting average of 0.258, 30 home runs, 91 RBIs, 75 runs, and an OPS of 0.781. He didn’t have bad grades, but he wasn’t Machado-like. There were also aftereffects of injuries. If it is impossible to play normally in the early part of next year’s opening season, Kim Ha-seong is likely to play third base often.
MLB.com covered San Diego’s off-season tasks on the 28th (Korean time) and said, “Kim Ha-seong is one of the best defenders. Machado’s condition with an elbow injury could play a role. “If Machado goes on the injured list or starts the season as a designated hitter, Ha-seong Kim should play third base, not shortstop or second base,” he said.
Ultimately, he pointed out that San Diego needs to organize or reorganize its position. There are reports that Bogaerts has been approached about his intention to change positions. In that case, Ha-seong Kim plays shortstop and Bogaerts moves to second base.
MLB.com said, “Whatever decision San Diego makes regarding its defensive alignment, it must be made quickly. It is clear that it will have an impact on FA strategy. “Jake Cronenworth also has much more value at second base than at first base.” It is true that there are many players who should move to second base, and Ha-seong Kim has the highest value as a shortstop. It would be nice for Kim Ha-seong to return to shortstop during the pre-FA season and be properly evaluated.
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