Kim Ha-sung's joining the opening roster seems to have virtually failed. The expected return time is May, not April.안전놀이터
The Major League's official website MLB.com said on the 16th (Korea Standard Time), "It is not yet known where the FA shortstop Kim Ha-sung will play next season. However, it is highly likely that he is not ready to wear a uniform in the opening game regardless of where he moves to." "According to MLB network John Morosi, Kim Ha-sung's first regular season appearance will be in May, not April," it said.
Kim Ha-sung, who injured his shoulder while returning to the ground against the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 19, last year, failed to return to the ground and was put on a surgery table. He ended the season with a disappointing 0.233 batting average (94 hits in 403 times at bat), 11 homers, 47 RBIs, 22 steals, and an OPS of 0.700. It was a drop from his batting average of 0.260 (140 hits in 538 times at bat) in 152 games in the 2023 season, 17 homers, 60 RBIs, and 38 steals in the OPS of 0.749.
Until the middle of the 2024 season, the prospects for Kim Ha-sung's FA were very bright. In the preliminary FA grade classified by ESPN in August last year, Kim Ha-sung was highly evaluated as "Tier 3" with the possibility of signing a contract worth between 100 million and 200 million dollars. However, the timing of his return to the team has become uncertain due to shoulder surgery, and question marks have also been raised over his strength in defense.
The U.S. "CBS Sports," which cited the article, predicted, "Kim Ha-sung's injury occurred on the right shoulder, which is the most important to the player who helps the team the most in defense. Kim Ha-sung played a lot of second, third and shortstop in MLB for four seasons, but he could be demoted to second baseman in the long run if the strength or accuracy of his arm decreases due to a scapular injury."
CBS Sports, which rated Kim Ha-sung as the 14th of all FA players and the second center infielder after Willy Adames in the last prediction, said, "Considering the uncertainty related to injury, that is, when he will be able to play, and how he will affect his pitching, he can consider a short-term contract," adding, "It could be a one-year or so contract that includes player options. Kim Ha-sung is still young enough, so if he spends 2025 healthy, he will be able to become a free agent next offseason and make a lot of money."