Kim Ha-sung, who exercised his FA rights even after shoulder surgery at the end of last season, feels like his multi-year contract jackpot has effectively gone up in smoke due to health problems.

The U.S. media "Blitzer Report" selected Kim Ha-sung as the seventh in an article titled "The Ideal Destination and Contract Prospect of the FA Top 9" on the 7th (Korea Standard Time), and analyzed that a one-year $14 million contract with the Seattle Mariners is appropriate. 안전놀이터

"The San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers were considered potential next destinations for Kim Ha-sung, but both teams are moving in different directions this winter. We cannot rule out a reunion with the San Diego Padres, but if we can't secure financial flexibility by trading Luis Arraez or Jake Cronenworth, it seems unlikely," the media said, pointing to the current situation of Kim Ha-sung, who is in a dilemma. 

Bleacher Report mentioned Seattle as a bird nest suitable for Kim Ha-sung at this point. "Seattle is doing almost nothing to improve its offense, which wasted its best starting rotation last season. Even if Kim Ha-sung goes, he will not be able to improve his team alone, ranking 21st in scoring in 2024," the media said. "However, Kim Ha-sung, who recorded 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 75 walks and 38 steals in San Diego in 2023, can help Seattle upgrade its offense that is desperately needed."

Of course, Kim Ha-sung's defense capability, who won the Gold Glove award, was also mentioned. Bleacher Report said, "Kim Ha-sung is an elite defender who can play full time as a third baseman or second baseman. He could support shortstop J.P. Crawford." 

Kim Ha-sung, who signed a four-plus-one-year contract with San Diego in 2021 for up to 39 million dollars (about 57.4 billion won), finally qualified as a FA in the stove league. There was an $8 million (about 11.7 billion won) mutual option in the 2025 season, but Kim Ha-sung refused to exercise the option and exercised his FA rights for $2 million (about 2.9 billion won).

Kim Ha-sung encountered an unexpected injury reef while cruising through the preliminary FA season last year. On Aug. 19, he had to go to the Colorado Rockies for headfirst sliding and suffered a serious right shoulder injury and underwent arthroplasty under the house of Neil Elatrice, an expert in sports player surgery, in September.

According to multiple U.S. media, Kim Ha-sung is not expected to be able to return to the ground until May at the earliest.

Media outlets forecast Kim's single-year contract based on his health. However, they viewed his one-year contract as a step backward to make two strides, not just a multi-year contract. 

"Kim Ha-sung is recovering from shoulder surgery last year, so it may be difficult to prepare for the opening game," Blitzer Report said. "If Kim Ha-sung's health is proven, the Mariners can offer him a qualifying offer next offseason. There is also a possibility that it will be for sale in the summer trade market."