"Hurricane smashed the roof of the home stadium." Why did Kim Ha-sung choose Tampa Bay to use a minor league stadium
"Hurricane smashed the roof of the home stadium." Why did Kim Ha-sung choose Tampa Bay to use a minor league stadium
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Tampa Bay Rays' Kim Ha-sung (30) said he doesn't care much about having to play at an alternate stadium because his home stadium is broken.
Kim Ha-sung held a press conference for joining the team through video conference on the 4th (Korea Standard Time). "The offer came from a good team without much thought. I decided Tampa Bay without difficulty. It is an honor to join such a good team. I am grateful to Boras for making a good contract with a good team," he said.
Kim Ha-sung, who entered the Major League in December 2020 by signing a four-year guarantee of $28 million (about 40.7 billion won) with San Diego, had a successful career with a batting average of 242 (418 hits in 1725 at-bats), 47 homers, 200 RBIs, 229 runs, 78 steals, and OPS.706 in 540 games. In 2023, he had a batting average of 260 (140 hits in 538 at-bats), 17 homers, 60 RBIs, 84 runs, 38 steals, and OPS.749 in 152 games, and spent his career high season winning the Gold Glove for the first time as an Asian infielder.
Kim Ha-sung was expected to perform well in the last season ahead of the FA, but he finished the season early after suffering a right shoulder injury during the game. His batting average for this season was .233 (94 hits in 403 times at bat) in 121 games, with 11 homers, 47 RBIs, 60 runs, 22 steals, and OPS.700. Kim Ha-sung, who underwent shoulder surgery in October last year, is unlikely to return to the team just in time for the opening of this year's season.
Kim Ha-sung, who came to the FA market despite his shoulder injury, was well regarded as the second-largest shortstop in the FA, but his contract was delayed due to health concerns. As a result, he signed a two-year, $29 million contract with Tampa Bay on the 31st of last month. It is known that there is an incentive worth $2 million (about KRW 2.9 billion) with a salary of $13 million (about KRW 18.9 billion) this year, and there is an opt-out after the end of the season. If Kim Ha-sung does not opt-out, he will receive $16 million (about KRW 23.3 billion) next year.
Kim Ha-sung said, "It didn't matter to me at all about the delay in the contract. And since I'm rehabilitating, I didn't think much about the timing of the contract. I believed that Boras (agent Kim Ha-sung) would do well, and I focused on rehabilitation." He then said, "I'm moving on to the rehabilitation schedule smoothly. I want to continue talking with the club and return as soon as possible in a healthy time. I think I'll be able to return within late April to early May," he explained about the expected timing of his return.
Tampa Bay's home stadium is Tropicana Field, a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. However, Tropicana Field will not be available this year. When Hurricane Milton hit the Tampa Bay area in October last year, the roof of Tropicana Field was completely destroyed. Tampa Bay will use George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' spring training and minor league stadium, this season.
Kim Ha-sung, who said, "I was worried (about my home stadium)," said, "But I heard that the condition of the baseball stadium was so good. I had to use another stadium because of the problem with my home stadium, but I think they managed it well because it was a baseball stadium that Major League teams used." That's why the stadium didn't matter when I signed the contract. Major League players will play, so they will be ready well. The front desk is also preparing well. He said strongly that it would not interfere with the game, so I didn't pay much attention."
Tampa Bay recruited Kim Ha-sung to strengthen its shortstop position. There is Carson Williams, the team's top prospect and one of the major leagues' top shortstop prospects, but many predict that the big league call-up will not take place quickly this year. Kim Ha-sung is expected to play a role in keeping the Tampa Bay shortstop position until Williams establishes himself in the Major League. 메이저놀이터
Kim Ha-sung said, "The shortstop is the most comfortable position for me. I think it's a position that can show baseball the best. I think I'm a player with a lot of hustles. This play will not change. I will do my best to help the team as much as possible."