“Ha-seong Kim remains one of the best defensive shortstops.”

Ha-Seong Kim (San Diego Padres) won the National League Gold Glove Award in the utility category this year. He proved to be the ‘king of defense’ representing the National League. Since Kim Ha-seong is the starting second baseman and not a shortstop, there is often talk surrounding his return to shortstop.

In fact, The Athletic reported that San Diego asked Bogaerts to change his position immediately after this season. It meant Kim Ha-seong’s return to shortstop. There has been no follow-up report, and still nothing has been decided. According to MLB.com on the 10th (Korean time), general manager AJ Preller took a cautious attitude, saying it was an issue that required hearing the new manager’s opinion.

Bogaerts is also a good shortstop, but his offense is actually better than his defense, so he signed an 11-year, $280 million free agent contract. He actually won the Silver Slugger Award at shortstop in 2015-2016, 2019, and 2021-2022, but has never won a Gold Glove.

“When San Diego signed Bogaerts last winter, they made it clear that he would be a shortstop in 2023 and did not offer any guarantees beyond that.” At the same time, “Ha-Sung Kim remains the best defensive shortstop in the Major League. He was also excellent as a second baseman, but pushing Jake Cronenworth to first base limited his value.”

General Manager Preller said, “We are blessed to have multiple shortstops in the infield and players who can move around and play a variety of positions. But Bogaerts played really well. Honestly, this is a conversation to start with with any newly hired head coach. “Let’s get his opinion on what the best setup is for us. 스포츠토토사이트 ”

In effect, this means that it will be left to the decision of the newly appointed coach. Considering only defensive ability, it makes perfect sense for Kim Ha-seong to return to shortstop. But if he were to move Bo Gaerts’ position, he would have nowhere to go. If Manny Machado misses the beginning of the 2024 season due to the aftermath of elbow surgery, he can take over as third baseman. He has appeared in a total of 53 games as a third baseman. But the last time was in 2014. And Machado eventually returns.

Considering batting, it would be right to send Bogaerts to first base. This is the least productive position in San Diego’s infield. However, we haven’t seen Bogaerts play first base since his major league debut. Moving the position of a big player on a team with Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. is no easy task.

Will Kim Ha-seong dramatically return to shortstop in the opening game in Seoul in 2024? Given the circumstances, it doesn’t seem easy. I’m really curious about the new director’s opinion.