Does being in the FA market despite his long-term injury end up as a "defeat"? Spring camp is getting closer, but news of Kim Ha-sung's contract has hardly been heard.안전놀이터

Kim Ha-sung declared himself an FA after the 2024 season. His contract with the San Diego Padres was 4+1 years, but he gave up the option of an $8 million one-year extension to take on a new challenge.

For four years, Kim Ha-sung has solidified his position in his own way. He was not guaranteed a starting position in his first year, but when he was given the opportunity, he did not miss it and rose to the starting level in his second year.

In 2023, he became the first Asian infielder to win the MLB Gold Glove (utility category), increasing his value. For four years, he has established himself as the MLB's "main infielder."

The problem was his injury. He injured his shoulder during last season and ended the season early by going on the operating table. Initially, he was not considered to be a major injury, but he failed to return until the postseason, and the timing of his return remains uncertain.

MLB.COM quoted a source on the 16th (Korea Standard Time) as saying, "It is not known where Kim Ha-sung, the FA, will play in the upcoming 2025 season," adding, "However, there is a high possibility that he will not be ready to play in the opening game no matter which team he goes to."

Kim Ha-sung will likely play in the regular season around May. However, it is difficult to determine when a player who underwent surgery will return to the team.

Injury will inevitably serve as a negative factor for FA contracts. Moreover, recruiting players who have not fully recovered from injury is also difficult in the season plan.

Commentator Song Jae-woo, a Major League Baseball expert, said, "Kim Ha-sung should be in a dilemma after applying for the FA," adding, "He wants a multi-year contract, but he doesn't receive the scale he wants, and yet there is some ambiguity from the club's point of view to seek 'FA re-entry' with a one-year contract."

Locally, there is also a story that the Atlanta Braves offered Kim Ha-sung five years and $60 million. Although Kim Ha-sung, who was once mentioned up to $100 million, is not satisfied, it is expected that such an offer will not be easy in reality at this point in time when he has not clearly shown his aggression and has injury issues.

In the end, it may be a better option to seek FA re-entry with a one-year contract, which is also not easy.

"From the standpoint of a team that wants to make a performance this season right now, it will feel very big to miss for a month or two," Song said. "Moreover, it's a one-year contract, but if the absence period is long, it will be even more cautious."

The uncertain timing of the return makes the club hesitate to sign a contract, which eventually leads to Kim Ha-sung's depreciation.

"Even if Kim Ha-sung confidently says he can return at this point, the actual return will not be known until then," Song said. "This will work against Kim Ha-sung in negotiations."

Analysts say that Kim Ha-sung, who gave up the option of a one-year extension of $8 million, will have a level he wants even if he signs a single-year contract, which may lead to difficulties in the contract.

Of course, it is often seen that star players are delayed in signing FA contracts in the Major League. It was not until mid-March when the season was about to open that Blake Snell, a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants.

However, it is true that it is not good in many ways that they cannot find their team until mid-February when the spring camp begins. As they feel pressured and are chased, they have no choice but to negotiate more unfavorablely.

"For now, it seems necessary for Kim Ha-sung to make a decision, such as revising the negotiation strategy," Song said. "If it is not easy to sign a one-year contract due to injury, it may be the next best option to make a promise in the form of a one-plus-one-year contract or a two-year contract."