“A trade between the Dodgers and Padres still seems unlikely.”
Ha-seong Kim (San Diego Padres) has emerged as the center of trade rumors since the end of last year. Miami Marlins, Boston Red Sox. Following the Minnesota Twins, the Los Angeles Dodgers have recently been mentioned. The Dodgers’ center infield has been weakened since free agent Trey Turner signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Last year’s second baseman, Gavin Lux, is a candidate for the starting shortstop this season.
In fact, Sports Illustrated recently argued that the shortstop vacancy should be filled by recruiting Kim Ha-seong, 안전놀이터 who has good cost-effectiveness. Kim Ha-seong rose to prominence after being nominated for the National League shortstop Golden Glove last season, and his defensive skills are clearly recognized.
As for the Clitch Point, on the 4th (hereinafter Korean time), “Ha-seong Kim played as a shortstop during Fernando Tatis Jr.’s injury and suspension. In other words, Kim Ha-seong is a solid defender.” However, he said, “Lux is arguably the better choice for the Dodgers.”
Lux recorded a batting average of 0.276, 6 home runs, 42 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.745 in 129 games in the 2022 season. It was difficult to see that he was clearly better than Ha-seong Kim, who had a batting average of 0.251, 11 home runs, and an OPS of 0.708 in 150 games. He was rather fourth among shortstops in the National League in baseball reference fielding percentage with a 0.982. On the other hand, Lux is hard to see as a professional center infielder, and he is not evaluated as very good defensively.
Clutchpoint said, “Putting a potential platoon between Lux and Ha-sung Kim would be a feasible option. However, if the Dodgers feel they need an upgrade, Willy Adames (Milwaukee Brewers) will be a more attractive alternative.”
Adames is a 28-year-old shortstop of the same age as Kim Ha-sung. He recorded a batting average of 0.238, 31 homers, 98 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.756 in 139 games in the 2022 season. His slugging power is such that he has recorded two 20 home runs and one 30 home run. It is true that Kim Ha-seong is not highly evaluated in terms of batting, especially long hitting.
Clutch Point is in the position that if they are going to trade shortstops, they must recruit a better card than Kim Ha-seong. It is also a reality that global rivals are reluctant to make a big deal. The media said, “The idea of recruiting Kim Ha-seong is interesting. He’s a versatile player who can play a utility role with the Dodgers. But a trade between the Dodgers and the Padres still seems unlikely.”