San Diego Padres Kim Ha-seong (28) secured $750,000 바카라(about 1 billion won) in at-bat incentives. Kim Ha-sung’s momentum continues to the extent that San Diego coach Bob Melvin once again praises him highly.
Ha-seong Kim started as the number one hitter and third baseman in the 2023 Major League Baseball away game against the Houston Astros held at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, USA on the 9th (Korean time), going 2 hits in 4 at-bats, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, 1 walk, and 3 stolen bases. He played a big role and led San Diego to an 11-2 victory.
The season’s performance up to this day was 137 games, batting average of .273 (130 hits in 476 at-bats), 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 79 runs, 67 walks, 105 strikeouts, 34 stolen bases, on-base percentage of .364, slugging percentage of .422, OPS of .786.
Ha-seong Kim, who surpassed 550 plate appearances (554) this year, will receive $250,000 (about 330 million won) as an additional incentive. Ha-seong Kim, who signed a 4+1 year contract with San Diego in January 2021 for $28 million guaranteed, up to $39 million, included incentive conditions based on at-bats each season. Based on 400 at-bats, additional amounts are accumulated in stages for each 50 at-bats up to 600 at-bats.
You get $100,000 for 400 at-bats, $200,000 for 450 at-bats, $200,000 for 500 at-bats, $250,000 for 550 at-bats, and $250,000 for 600 at-bats. If you reach 600 at-bats, you can receive a total incentive of $1 million. Ha-seong Kim has secured $750,000 so far.
Ha-seong Kim did not receive a penny of at-bat incentive in the first year of 2021 with 298 at-bats. However, he jumped to a full-time starting position last year, making 582 plate appearances and earning $750,000, and this year, if he plays until the end of the remaining season, he is expected to easily fill 600 plate appearances and receive the maximum of $1 million.
He was in a mini slump recently with no hits in two consecutive games, but he broke the silence with a timely hit in the second inning of the day. With 2 outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd base, he pushed Houston’s right-handed starting pitcher Hunter Brown’s outside slider on the second pitch, scoring a timely hit with 2 RBIs. Then, during the third inning, San Diego coach Bob Melvin, who was interviewed by the Apple TV reporter who broadcast the game that day, was also asked questions about Ha-seong Kim.
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[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
Regarding Kim Ha-seong’s performance, Coach Melvin said, “It’s getting better and better every year. He plays good defense at several positions and has earned the leadoff spot. “He is helping the team in every way,” he praised. Kim Ha-seong’s performance continued after hearing Coach Melvin’s praise. He got on base with a walk after a full count in the 5th inning, then succeeded in stealing second base, setting the stage for an extra point. In the 7th inning, he went to first base with a left-field hit and then succeeded in stealing 2nd and 3rd base in succession, shaking up the Houston battery.
The three stolen bases are his second of the season following the game against the Seattle Mariners on the 4th of last month, and are tied for the most in a single game. Kim Ha-seong, who increased his season stolen bases to 34, ranked 5th in the National League in this category and 8th overall in the Major League. A pace that mathematically allows up to 39 stolen bases. Among Asian players, only Japanese Ichiro Suzuki has had five 40-steal seasons. In 2001, when he was in Seattle, he was the American League’s stolen base leader at the time with 56 steals.
Ichiro boasts the best main power, but the most home runs as a substitute hitter are 15, which he hit in Seattle in 2005. On the other hand, Ha-seong Kim is also recording 17 home runs this year. If 3 home runs are added in the remaining 20 games, 20-30 is confirmed. So far, two Asian players, Choo Shin-soo (2019, 2010, 2013) and Ohtani Shohei (2021, 2013), have achieved 20-20, but there is no 20-30. If Ha-seong Kim reaches 40 stolen bases, he will set a record that will be difficult to surpass. /waw@osen.co.kr
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)