The expected return date of Kim Ha-sung (30), who is looking for a new destination in the Major League Baseball (MLB) free agent market, has come out. In the U.S., May, not April, was selected as the expected return date for Kim Ha-sung. Even though his opening match has virtually failed, local interest in him is hot. This shows the dignity of Kim Ha-sung.토토사이트

The Major League's official website MLB.com reported on the 16th (Korea time), "We still don't know which team Kim Ha-sung will play for in the 2025 season," adding, "It is difficult to play in the opening game regardless of which team he signs."

"Kim Ha-sung will be able to play in May, not April," the media said, referring to the expected timing of his return. This year's opening game of the Major League will be held at the Tokyo Dome (Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs) in Japan on March 18 and 19. Then, the opening game of the U.S. mainland will be held on March 28. In the U.S., Kim Ha-sung is believed to be absent in March and April.

Kim Ha-sung entered the Major League ahead of the 2021 season. At the time, he signed a contract with San Diego for up to $39 million (about $53.4 billion) per 4+1 year. It was a four-year, $28 million guarantee contract. And with the end of the 2024 season, the four-year guarantee contract ended. If Kim Ha-sung and San Diego had implemented mutual options for the 2025 season, Kim Ha-sung could have stayed in San Diego for an annual salary of $8 million (about 11.8 billion won). However, Kim Ha-sung refused and entered the FA market.

Kim Ha-sung is already considered a proven resource in the Major League. Based on his outstanding defense, he boasts an average level of offense in the league. Still, what is regrettable is his injury. Kim Ha-sung was replaced by a sore shoulder during a game against the Colorado Rockies on August 19 last year. Initially, there were predictions that the injury would not be serious enough to require surgery. However, as a result, this game remains Kim Ha-sung's last game in the 2024 season. Kim Ha-sung underwent surgery for the right shoulder joint in October last year, about two months later.

Currently, Kim Ha-sung is committed to rehabilitation. Initially, the prevailing view was that it would be difficult for Kim Ha-sung to play in the opening game of the Major League in the mainland. He then expected to return to the game in April, but this time, there is a prospect that it could be delayed further to May. If he is able to play normally even in May, it can be said to be a relief in the midst of misfortune. In this case, Kim Ha-sung is expected to be able to play more than 100 games in the 2025 season. Earlier, San Diego's general manager A.J. Preller said, "It could be May, June, or July," about the expected timing of Kim Ha-sung's return during the surgery. May is the earliest month that General Manager Preller mentioned.

However, it can be interpreted that the injury is also a drag on the current contract. CBS Sports, a U.S. media outlet, quoted MLB.com as saying, "Kim Ha-sung has uncertainty due to his injury. The fact that he injured his right shoulder, which is used when throwing a ball, is increasing uncertainty. One way is to sign a one-year contract with him or a two-year contract that includes an option. Kim Ha-sung is still young. If he proves that he is healthy in the 2025 season, he will be able to sign a better contract in the future."

Above all, he is a utility player who boasts the best defense capability in the Major League. His biggest advantage is that he can play various positions including shortstop, second baseman and third baseman. He was the first Asian infielder to win the Gold Glove Award. In 121 games in the 2024 season, Kim played a batting average of 0.233 (94 hits in 403) with 11 homers, 47 RBIs, 60 runs, 58 walks, 77 strikeouts, 22 steals (five failed), 0.330 on-base percentage, 0.370 on-base plus slugging percentage and 0.700 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS).

Still, Kim Ha-sung and many other clubs are connected through local reports. CBS Sports cited the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, who are looking for a second baseman, as teams that can push for a short-term contract with Kim Ha-sung. In addition, the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres also need infielders.

MLB.com praised Kim Ha-sung, saying, "He won the Gold Glove Award in the 2023 season. He showed above-average defensive ability by taking charge of shortstop, second baseman, and third baseman, respectively." Major League Baseball renowned reporter John Morosi stressed that "Kim Ha-sung is ideal for teams that need infielders such as shortstop and second baseman." U.S. media Newsweek claimed that "Kim Ha-sung will sign a $60 million (about 88.3 billion won) contract with Atlanta."