"Only 51.6% Swing Even in Zone S" Excellent Detail Indicators, Praise from U.S. Media...Although he is sluggish, he is the most 'difficult' in the ML of Kim Ha-sung
"Only 51.6% Swing Even in Zone S" Excellent Detail Indicators, Praise from U.S. Media...Although he is sluggish, he is the most 'difficult' in the ML of Kim Ha-sung
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The U.S. "S. San Diego Union-Tribune" had a time to look at Kim Ha-sung's performance as a free agent (FA) after the end of this season on the 3rd (Korea time).
Prior to the 2021 season, Kim Ha-sung wore the San Diego uniform through a four-plus-one-year, $39 million contract. Kim Ha-sung's first season in the KBO League, which received more attention in offense than defense, was disappointing. Kim Ha-sung played in 117 games and recorded a batting average of 0.202 OPS of 0.622, with 54 hits, eight homers and six steals. In particular, as the number of cases in the starting lineup has decreased significantly over the course of the season, he even had to worry about his position. However, it didn't take long for Kim Ha-sung's position to change.노래방알바
As Fernando Tatis Jr. underwent wrist surgery and was disciplined for taking banned drugs, Kim Ha-sung stood tall as the main player. In particular, San Diego had high expectations for Kim Ha-sung to the extent that it let CJ Abrams, a "special prospect," go through a trade. As a result, Kim Ha-sung made remarkable growth with 130 hits, 11 homers, 12 steals, and a batting average of 0.251 OPS of 0.708 in 150 games. And in defense, he was selected as the final candidate for Gold Glove in the National League's shortstop category. Although he did not reach the award, he said he was in the top three in the league.
In particular, when San Diego recruited a special shortstop named Xander Bogaerts after the 2022 season, Kim Ha-sung always stood at the center of trade rumors. In the midst of this, Kim Ha-sung stepped up another level with a batting average of 0.260 OPS 0.749, with 140 hits, 17 homers and 38 steals in 152 games last year, and was once again selected as a final candidate for Gold Glove in the National League's second baseman and utility category last year. And this time, he is at the "peak" of his career by holding the "golden gloves" in his arms in the utility category, and is moving back to shortstop before this season, taking a stride toward the FA jackpot contract.
However, Kim Ha-sung's performance this season is a bit disappointing. At the end of the game on Thursday, he played in 86 games, recording 66 hits, 10 homers, 15 steals, and a batting average of 0.228 OPS of 0.724. Given that his batting average remains in the early 20s, Kim Ha-sung's on-base plus slugging percentage is quite high. However, he is having a disappointing season in terms of sophistication, as he has never exceeded his batting average in the mid-20s. Notably, he was blocked by the Texas Rangers' infield defense in the game on Thursday, ending his nine-game hitting streak.
In the meantime, the San Diego Union-Tribune had a time to examine Kim Ha-sung's performance. Media outlets called him a "Picky hitter." Although the batting average is low, he does not stick his bat out to the ball during the hitting process, but only targets the ball that enters the strike zone. As such, it can be interpreted that he has excellent "Seongu-an." In fact, Kim Ha-sung is very good at 0.336 this year. He is more than 10% higher than the batting average of 0.228.
The San Diego Union-Tribune said, "Kim Ha-sung has always been the most selective hitter in the Major League. And this season, his selectivity stands out even more. None of the players who have met the Major League's regular at-bats in the 2024 season has swung fewer balls than Kim Ha-sung," adding, "Kim Ha-sung only swung 51.6% of the balls entering the strike zone. Notably, he is even more strict when he is out of the strike zone. In his ball, he only swings 17.9%, which ranks fifth in the Major League."
The San Diego Union-Tribune said, "Kim Ha-sung only swung 56.4% (7th in the Major League) and 22.5% (36th) on balls in the strike zone from his first season in 2021 to 2023." "The 2024 season was a process." Kim Ha-sung's overall figure decreased. Kim Ha-sung finished June with 10 home runs.228/.366/.388. Kim Ha-sung is slightly ahead of last year's home runs (17), but overall the figure is lower than that of the 2023 career high season."
Obviously, the absolute figure is low, but Kim Ha-sung's sense is not bad. According to the "San Diego Union-Tribune," Kim Ha-sung said, "I always think there is room for improvement. I don't swing at bad balls, so I'm showing better numbers every year. So it's positive," and added, "It's true that the offense is not meeting my standards and expectations. But it's just passing the halfway point. I think it'll get better as the season goes by." He was confident of a rebound.
The "San Diego Union-Tribune" viewed Kim Ha-sung as positively targeting only the balls that enter his zone. The media outlet said, "Kim Ha-sung has become more demanding in the past 25 games. Of the 50% of balls entering the strike zone, only 16% have swung. From June 5 to 21, Kim Ha-sung walked 11 from 58 at-bats, but only had seven hits. Now Kim Ha-sung's hits are increasing."
The head coach also gave a thumbs-up to Kim Ha-sung's recent performance. "Kim Ha-sung is showing good trends in many areas," coach Mike Shildt said. "As you know, he gets on base every day. And Kim Ha-sung narrowed the strike zone further and he can hit good balls. It's very good."