Ha-Sung Kim, 28, is being valued as San Diego’s best infielder. There’s even talk of him moving back to shortstop.

메이저사이트 This season, Kim has shown steep growth in his offence. On the 21st, Yahoo Sports in the United States published a list of quietly strong players, which included Kim. Yahoo Sports said, “Kim’s defence is unquestionable at any position. San Diego’s third-best shortstop has evolved into the team’s full-time second baseman.”

The only shortstops more famous than Kim are Fernando Tatis Jr. (24) and Xander Bogaerts (31). Both are highly paid. San Diego, which acquired All-Star shortstop Bogaerts before the season, sent Tatis Jr. to the outfield and gave Kim second base.

Tatis Jr. and Bogaerts have not been able to hold their own against Kim. “Kim is the most valuable player in the San Diego system by Wins Above Replacement (WAR), behind only three shortstops, including Bogaerts and Tatis,” Yahoo Sports said. Kim continues to lead the team in WAR.

San Diego Padres top hitter Ha-Sung Kim dances with teammates after hitting a leadoff double against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. Phoenix (Arizona)|USA TODAY Sports/Yonhap News

Sports Illustrated (SI) also reported on the 21st (KST) that “San Diego’s defence is fourth in the majors. “Next year, Bogaerts could move to another position and Kim could return to shortstop. He was San Diego’s MVP this year.” With the Padres not considering returning Tatis Jr. to the infield, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kim play shortstop at this point.

San Diego manager Bob Melvin told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “He’s a great defender. He’s got great hands, great quickness. I would recommend a Gold Glove for his defence this year. No matter where we put him, he gets it done.”

Kim played shortstop last year, filling the void left by Tatis Jr.’s injury and PED suspension. He played 119.1 innings at shortstop again this year. It will be interesting to see what San Diego decides to do with him after a disappointing return on investment this season.