Is there any sign of a rebound in the ransom of FA Kim Ha-sung (30), who experienced the prospect of a "jackpot" of more than $100 million and a "jackpot" of $6 million in just half a year? Local media predicted that a multi-year contract of $18 million annually is possible.

The U.S. media "Spotting News" predicted Kim Ha-sung's FA contract through an article on the 14th (Korea Standard Time) that said, "It is expected to recruit $36 million Gold Glover to work with the Atlanta Braves and Aggie Albis."

"The biggest problem that plagued Atlanta last year was shortstop. Orlando Arcia did not miss the starting lineup, but at the end of the season, he was ranked as one of the five worst hitters in the entire league by almost all indicators," the media said. "Atlanta is considering recruiting a starting lineup to replace Arcia this winter."

Arcia, who was Atlanta's main shortstop in the 2024 season, played 157 games and was sluggish with a batting average of 0.218 17 home runs, 46 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.625, failing to contribute to the team.

Citing former major leaguer and "Talking Baseball" host Trevor Plouffe, "Atlanta is recovering from shoulder surgery and will sign Kim Ha-sung, a gold glover from the San Diego Padres who is aiming to return at the end of April," Sporting News predicted.메이저놀이터

According to the media, Fluff said, "I have a combination of Kim Ha-sung and Albies Keystone in mind. Arcia is good for defense, but I think it would be better if (Alvis) were with Kim Ha-sung," adding, "If Kim Ha-sung returns during the season (from injury) and can play, I think he will survive the competition (main game). For some reason, I can see him (Kim Ha-sung) wearing an Atlanta uniform."

For about half a year, Kim Ha-sung's estimated ransom has been going back and forth between extremes. In August last year, the U.S. ESPN highly valued prospective FA Kim Ha-sung, categorizing him as Tier 3 with the possibility of signing a contract worth between $100 million and $200 million. However, soon after, Kim Ha-sung ended the season early due to an unexpected shoulder injury.

Kim Ha-sung, who finished with a disappointing performance of 11 home runs, 47 RBIs and 22 steals OPS 0.700 with a batting average of 0.233 (94 hits in 403 times at bat) in 121 games in the 2024 season, joined hands with "super agent" Scott Boras to enter the FA market.

Market sentiment was sobering. Long-term contract possibilities were often mentioned, but the annual average stayed between $12 million and $15 million. It was not a satisfactory level for Kim, who was once valued at more than $100 million. Jim Bowden, a former major league general manager for The Athletic, also forecasted a tight $10 million (W14.8 billion) per year.

Over time, the expected destinations were erased one by one. Clubs that were connected to Kim Ha-sung, including the San Francisco Giants, LA Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and Washington Nationals, reinforced their power by recruiting other players.

Amid Kim Ha-sung's dwindling position in the FA market, "Sport Kida" said on the 9th that "San Diego is ready to offer Kim Ha-sung $6 million." It is unlikely that Kim Ha-sung, who entered the FA market after rejecting the mutual option of receiving an annual salary of $8 million in the 2025 season, will accept the $6 million offer. However, the fact that the annual average of less than $10 million is a reflection of the harsh reality.

Some positive prospects have recently emerged for Kim Ha-sung, whose FA value seemed to be going down through the floor and underground. Expectations of long-term contracts are rising again through local media, including $49 million for four years with the Milwaukee Brewers and $36 million for three years with the Seattle Mariners.

"Kim Ha-sung is the most consistent player in the Major League with a bWAR of 15.3 (contribution to victory compared to substitute players, based on baseball reference) over the past four years," Sporting News said. "His total OPS+ is close to the league average with 99. It is a very valuable record in that he is a player who can play gold glove-class defense in all infield positions."

The media said, "The Athletic's Tim Britton expected Kim Ha-sung's contract to be two years and $36 million. If the versatile star (Kim Ha-sung) can stay healthy, this is a reasonable enough ransom. Kim Ha-sung could be the last puzzle piece to lead Atlanta to the World Series."