Jumped to 8th in the National League in batting average and 9th in slugging percentage
Tied for second in the majors in WAR
San Diego Padres’ Ha-Sung Kim, 28, is evolving into a complete offensive player. He’s even improved his chances of reaching the 20-homer, 20-steal milestone that every hotshot hopes for.
Starting at third base and batting first in the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, USA, on March 3 (KST), Kim went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, his 15th of the season, in the top of the first inning, along with two RBIs, two walks and three runs scored.
Kim, who stole 22 bases the day before, needs just five more home runs to reach the coveted 20-20 mark.
The only other Korean player to reach 20-20 is Shin-Soo Choo. Kim will become the second Korean player to reach 20-20.
Kim made his way to the big leagues after being recognized for his offense in the KBO.
He debuted in the major leagues in 2021 and struggled in his first year. While he earned a passing grade for his defense, he struggled with the fastballs and off-speed pitches that big league pitchers throw with different levels of movement. He batted just .202 in his first year.
Last year, as a starting shortstop, Kim stepped up his game in both defense and hitting to become a major leaguer, especially with his Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop.
This year, he exploded at the plate, proving that he’s no longer a “one-tool” defensive player.
His accuracy and power have increased, and he can play every position in the infield except first base, making him an indispensable player in the lineup. He’s showing the kind of skills that other teams covet.
With 11 straight games with multiple hits and nine straight games with a hit, Kim has raised his season batting average to .284 and his on-base percentage to .380. He has 41 RBI and 60 runs scored on the season.
He ranks eighth in the National League in batting average, ninth in slugging percentage, and 15th in OPS at .838.
His 5.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) ranks second in the majors. The only player in the majors with a higher number is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels (7.9 WAR).
The difference is in the roar of the fans when Kim hits an anti-hit and shows his hobbies. 카지노사이트 His status is changing.
Kim starts a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at home at Petco Park on May 5.
