Ha Sung Kim (San Diego Padres) has once again been recognized for his defense. He is the best second baseman in the National League, according to Baseball America.
On July 7 (ET), Baseball America announced the top three players in the National League and American League in various categories, including best defenders and best offensive players. Ha Sung Kim is the No. 1 best second base defender in the National League. Nico Horner (Chicago Cubs) and Ozzie Albies (Atlanta Braves) round out the top three.카지노
Kim ranks sixth in the majors in WAR (5.9) according to Baseball-Reference. Since mid-August, his batting average has dropped off a bit, and he hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase his good defense, so he’s dropped out of the top 10 in defensive WAR. However, defense can be difficult to evaluate 100% based on secondary stats.
That’s why Baseball America’s ranking of Kim as the best second baseman in the National League makes sense. It recognizes that even when his batting pace slows down, he still contributes to the team with his defense. In reality, Kim has a DRS of 14 according to FanGraphs. That’s 8 at second base and 3 at third base and shortstop. He also has a 7 OAA and a 2.9 UZR.
In San Diego, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are the best defenders. Machado was named the second-best third base defender in the National League. Tatis was named the National League’s top outfield defender and second in best arm (throwing ability).
Kim is nearly three years into his 4+1 year, $39 million contract. After the 2024 season, he will have to decide whether to exercise his one-year, $8 million option. At this point, there is a lot of speculation that Kim, who has emerged as one of the best second basemen in the game, will be a free agent after this season. The Padres have a lot of long-term, big-name free agents, so he may not get a long-term, big-name offer from the organization.
Regardless, it’s quite possible that Kim will hit the free agent jackpot in a year. It’s important for him to continue to improve his offense next year. Consistency is just as important as explosiveness. It means a lot that he has established himself as a consistent player who can contribute to the team in any way possible.