There are endless cases of linking Boston Red Sox and Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres), who need a shortstop.
After the 2022 season, Boston recruited Masataka Yoshida, who challenged to advance to the major leagues, and Corey Kluber, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, through a five-year, $90 million (approximately 111.1 billion won) large contract. He also signed an 11-year, $331 million (approximately 408.7 billion won) contract extension with ‘signboard hitter’ Raphael Devers.
However, the leakage was greater than the power reinforcement. In Boston, Nathan Eboldi and Rich Hill, who kept the starting rotation last year, left for the Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively. In addition, along with Devers, Boston’s ‘core’ Xander Bogarts changed his uniform to San Diego through an 11-year, $280 million (approximately 345.8 billion won) contract.
The departure of two starters is not a pleasant situation, but the departure of Bogarts was certainly fatal. With Bogarts’ transfer, Boston instantly created a void at shortstop. Of course, it’s not that there weren’t resources to take over as shortstop internally. They have Trevor Story, who played shortstop for 730 out of 839 games in 7 seasons in the major leagues, and Kike Hernandez, who can play multiple positions. 안전놀이터
However, an unexpected variable occurred. Story recently underwent elbow surgery. On the 11th (Korean time), Story underwent surgery on the medial collateral ligament of his right elbow. This is the area that corresponds to the so-called Tommy John surgery. Story had a slightly different surgery, and received a surgery that allowed him to return relatively quickly. But for the time being, participation is inevitable.
Bogatz’s transfer put Story on the operating table, putting Boston in a truly super-emergency situation. Of course, Hernandez could also move to shortstop. But if Hernandez moves to the infield, Boston’s outfield defense will be drastically weakened. Boston is in a position to acquire a shortstop by any means.
Currently, there are shortstop resources that have not found a destination in the free agent (FA) market. However, Kim Ha-seong is more popular than free agent players. Now that San Diego has three shortstops, there are more and more cases in the US media linking Kim Ha-seong with a team that needs a shortstop. The most representative team is Boston.
On the 18th, Boston press ‘Mathlive.com’ published an article titled ‘Why Tanner Hook is the most interesting player as a trade card’, saying, “It is surprising that Boston gives up Hook for players like Kim Ha-seong or Cleveland Guardian’s Ahmed Rosario. It won’t be,” he said. In other words, in order to recruit Kim Ha-seong, you can give him a hook.
The American’The Athletic’ said, “A wise choice for Boston to recruit a shortstop would be free agent Jose Iglesias or Elvis Andrews. However, if you can match the card, it is more reasonable to recruit Kim Ha-seong.” It can come out,” he insisted on the trade with Kim Ha-sung.
In fact, it is unclear whether or not Boston is interested in signing Kim Ha-sung. However, considering that it is often mentioned, it is clear that Kim Ha-seong is an attractive card. There is about a month left until the regular season begins. During this period, it remains to be seen what changes will occur in Kim Ha-sung’s position.