“San Diego’s MVP.”
Kim’s 4+1 year, $39 million contract will likely end after the 2024 season. There’s no reason to exercise the $8 million option for the 2025 season, as Kim has become one of the best offensive players and second basemen in the majors this season. In fact, the 2024 season is likely to be his preliminary free agency season.
Born in 1995, Kim won’t turn 30 until 2025. If he doesn’t struggle next year, his price tag will skyrocket in free agency in 2024-2025. It’s a natural progression. What’s more important is value and honor. Perhaps even more important than salary. There is nothing more meaningful than being recognized as a professional.
MLB.com announced the second baseman All-MLB team on Friday. It’s a similar concept to the Golden Glove in the KBO. It recognizes the best players at each position in both leagues, with a first team and a second team. The only Korean major leaguer to be named to the Second Team was Ryu Hyun-jin (Toronto Blue Jays) in 2019 and 2020.
MLB.com named Marcus Semien (Texas Rangers) and Luis Arajuez (Miami Marlins) as the top two candidates for All-MLB honors. The next tier, the Contenders, is dominated by Kim. He was joined by Ozzie Albies (Atlanta Braves).
MLB.com said, “Kim is leading the team with career-best numbers. He is the Padres’ most valuable player (MVP). He doesn’t make particularly hard contact, but he makes up for it with a top 93 percent chase rate (pitches outside the strike zone) and a top 91 percent swinging strike rate.” In other words, he only hits good pitches, pitches that are in his strike zone.
“As a bonus, he already has 31 stolen bases and is fourth among second basemen with a +10 defensive run-saving rating,” MLB.com added. He’s an offensive and defensive second baseman. That’s why his 4.4 WAR per FanGraphs is among the best in the league. If he doesn’t make the All-MLB First Team, he’s worth a shot at the Second Team 먹튀검증.
MLB.com named Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks), Gleyber Torres (New York Yankees), Bryson Stott (Philadelphia Phillies), and Nico Horner (Chicago Cubs) as All-MLB dark horses. This means that Kim has been better than all of them, at least this season.