‘Korean Major Leaguer’ Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) headed to the United States with a firm resolve. He also emphasized that he would not care about the trade rumors that have recently surfaced locally.

Kim Ha-seong departed for the United States through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the afternoon of the 27th. Ha-seong Kim plans to improve his physical condition after joining his team’s San Diego camp.

Kim Ha-seong met with reporters before leaving and said, “I’m looking forward to it, and I’m also excited. I prepared diligently and well during the off-season. I still have time after going to the US. I hope it will be a good season. I will work hard.”

Ha-seong Kim participated in 150 games in the 2022 season and marked a batting average of 0.251, 11 homers, 59 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.708. It showed a more advanced look than the 2021 season, which was the first year of his debut. He was also named as one of the three finalists for the Gold Glove shortstop category.

Above all, he captured the hearts of San Diego fans by hustling every moment on the ground. In last year’s postseason, he drew enthusiastic support from home fans with his fighting spirit. The spectators gathered at San Diego’s home stadium, Petco Park, chanted “Ha-sung Kim” whenever Ha-seong Kim entered the plate.

In the 2023 season, more intense internal competition awaits. San Diego acquired large shortstop Xander Bogarts from the Stove League this winter. Here, Tatis Jr., who was suspended from business trips after the history of taking prohibited drugs was revealed, also returns. Accordingly, Kim Ha-seong is highly likely to change his position to second baseman.

Ha-seong Kim said, “Many fans and officials seem to be worried about it, but since entering the major leagues, it seems that every moment has been a competition. I think we will have to bump into each other,” he said, reaffirming his determination.

Trade rumors continue to follow him. On the 19th, MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, selected Kim Ha-seong as one of Boston’s five potential infield candidates.

MLB.com said, “Will San Diego’s recruitment of Bogatz help Kim Ha-sung’s trip to Boston?” “San Diego has a lot of infielders. Therefore, in order to reinforce other positions, it is important to pack Kim Ha-seong well.” . Next, he praised Ha-sung Kim’s defense, saying, “Aren’t you curious about his defense? He was also a finalist for the Gold Gloves last year.”바카라

Recently, San Diego general manager AJ Preller also mentioned Ha-seong Kim as a trade card.

Regarding the trade rumors surrounding him, Ha-seong Kim said, “I am not at all burdened. Personally, I think our team has the strongest infield out of the 30 major league clubs.

He continued, “Actually, I have no burden at all whether it is traded or not. I thought I just had to do what I had to do. I’ve put a lot of effort into adapting to San Diego over the past two years. I think I’ll have to work hard in San Diego.”

Ha-seong Kim also prepares for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), which is scheduled to be held in March. He plans to join the Korean national team training in early March after completing team training at the San Diego camp. Kim Ha-seong promised, “I will do my best to catch both the WBC and the season. I will do my best to show results as much as I prepared hard.”