The epicenter of the ‘Kim Ha-seong Typhoon’ that hit the Major League (MLB) is ‘defense’.
According to Fangraph.com, a site specializing in MLB records, as of the 7th (Korean time), Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres)’ second base position DRS (Defensive Run Save) is 10. First among 27 second basemen in the big leagues with 메이저사이트 at least 400 innings pitched. DRS is an index that indicates how many goals are prevented by defense, and the higher the number on the basis of 0 (average), the better the defense. Fangraph.com classifies 5 as above average, 10 as excellent, and 15 as possible to win a Gold Glove (GG).
Last year, only three MLB players recorded double-digit DRS: Brandon Rodgers (Colorado Rockies, 22), Andres Jimenez (Cleveland Guardians, 16), and Marcus Simeon (Texas Rangers, 11). Rogers and Jimenez received GG in the National League (NL) and American League (AL) second baseman category, and Simian is the 2021 AL second baseman GG winner. With Rogers out due to injury, Jimenez and Simeon’s DRS this season are 9 and 8, respectively, slightly behind Kim Ha-seong.
Ha-seong Kim covers all positions in the infield except first base. The number of innings played is dispersed, so it is not that he has more innings to digest than other main second basemen. However, he boasts extraordinary defensive power in every game he plays in. In a recent interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, a local newspaper, teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. praised Ha-seong Kim, saying, “He is the best player on the team right now. He inspires others to keep trying and polishing through his games.” Tatis Jr. was once a major league shortstop, but he switched to right field this season. Large shortstop Zander Bogarts was recruited as a free agent (FA) and was pushed out of the competition. Even ‘multiplayer’ Ha-seong Kim had virtually no place to play as an infielder.
MBC Sports Plus commentator Song Jae-woo, an MLB expert, said, “I can’t help but talk about defense for Kim Ha-seong. (When he first debuted in MLB), his batting performance was below average, but he continued to use it because he had good defense. “I couldn’t run,” he said. “Because of his excellent defensive ability, he is good at any position, including second and third baseman, as well as shortstop. Because he kept receiving compliments, he completely improved.”
Kim Ha-seong was named one of the final three GG candidates in the NL shortstop category last season. He failed to win the award because he was pushed by Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs), but he surprised the club officials with his excellent defense. He also stands out this year as a second baseman rather than a shortstop. If he stays at his current pace, he deserves a try at NL second baseman GG. San Diego coach Bob Melvin said of Kim Ha-seong, “It’s like the engine of our team.”
His solid defense creates a synergistic effect even at the plate. Commissioner Song Jae-woo said, “Because I feel confident (in defense), I can swing the bat confidently at the plate. (I play a lot of games) I see the pitcher’s ball mix better than before. The number of goals has also improved.” “Because the defense is so good. I use it as a starting player. As the experience level increases, the player has changed.”