Why Kim Ha-sung is valued at $100 million… He proved it with one play, ‘Running all the way to the bunt → 6G hit.’

Just by looking at it, I know what fever it is.” Kim Ha-sung (29) of the San Diego Padres heated up Petco Park for two consecutive days with his signature hustle play. 무료슬롯사이트

Kim Ha-sung started as the fifth batter and shortstop in the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season home game against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park in San Diego, California on the 27th (Korea time) and scored one hit, one walk, one strikeout and one point in four at-bats.

As a result, Kim Ha-sung, who continued his hit streak in six consecutive games from home games against the Milwaukee Brewers on the 22nd, maintained his batting average for the season at 0.223.

Recently, Kim Ha-sung’s batting sense has slowed down a bit. He seems to be in a hurry to make another hit per game after multi hits against Milwaukee on Sunday. The same was true on the day. He hit the first pitch at his first at-bat in the bottom of the second inning against left-hander D.J. Hurts, and was out after a full count match at first base in the bottom of the third inning with one out and runners on the first and second bases. In the bottom of the fifth inning, right-hander Jacob Barnes, who was replaced by a fastball over 95 miles per hour, was also struck out by swing and miss.

Kim Ha-sung succeeded in setting a new record of consecutive hits. It was compensation based on the result of doing his best, not intention. With San Diego leading 4-0 at the bottom of the eighth inning with no outs and runners on the first and second bases, Kim Ha-sung attempted a bunt to send the ball to right-handed Tanner Rainey. The ball flowed slowly at 28.5 miles per hour, heading to the right side of the pitcher, and Rainey who caught the ball was confused.

However, Kim Ha-sung didn’t even look back and just ran towards first base. Rainey threw it toward first base somewhat leisurely, but the first base umpire decided that Kim Ha-sung’s foot was fast. Then, Kyle Higashioka hit the bases loaded, and Kim Ha-sung hit home.

It was similar to the previous day’s scene on Saturday. As the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the sixth inning with San Diego leading 5-4, Kim touched Dylan Floro’s sinker on the fifth pitch, making a slow grounder toward the third base. Statcast said that the batting average was only 0.240 but Kim rushed all the way to the first base to make an infield single.

The scene proved why Kim Ha-sung is still valued at 100 million U.S. dollars despite his batting average of 0.223 and San Diego is not contributing despite numerous trade rumors. He watches every at-bat for a long time (4.18 pitches per at-bat, 19th overall in the ML), and does not hesitate to jump at any hitters. His occasional long hitters prevent him from being ignored in the lower batting order.

In fact, Kim Ha-sung’s season performance is marked by a batting average of 0.223 in 83 games, 10 homers, 37 RBIs, 43 runs and 15 steals, and an on-base percentage of 0.333 OPS of 0.718. For Kim Ha-sung, who is likely to declare FA after this season, the performance may be a bit disappointing. Dennis Lin, a reporter in charge of San Diego at the US media The Athletic, said in January, “It is highly likely that he will need nine digits ($100 million) to renew his contract with Kim Ha-sung.”

However, it is difficult to find a movement to be pessimistic about Kim Ha-sung’s performance and ransom. Rather, there are more stories that praise Kim Ha-sung’s gritty play despite his small performance. For example, after Kim Ha-sung had two hits and three RBIs against the Kansas City Royals on the 2nd, teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. praised him, “Kim Ha-sung is having a hard time, but he is hitting the ball hard. The scene where he comes (home) is really a beautiful thing to see.”

Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres beat the Washington D.C. 8-5 with starting pitcher Dylan Sheez’s one hit, two walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings, and Higashioka’s three hits, six RBIs and three runs from four times at bat, including a grand slam. After successful sweep, the San Diego Padres maintained their second place in the National League West with 44 wins and 41 losses.