After losing Juan Soto, the biggest fish in the FA, to the New York Mets, the New York Yankees' moves are unusual. Attention is focusing on whether they will be interested in Kim Ha-sung (29), a free agent infielder, while he is recruiting players en masse. The New York media is constantly fueling Kim Ha-sung as a candidate. 메이저놀이터

The Yankees lost outfielder Soto, who was the biggest free agent. He offered up to 760 million dollars in 2016, but failed to beat the Mets, who bet 765 million dollars in 2015. Last winter, he sent five players to the San Diego Padres to recruit Soto, but the offer ended in a year of rental. He failed to reach the top of the list by ranking second in the World Series. 

However, there was no time to be saddened. The Yankees quickly started Plan B. They strengthened their starting lineup by acquiring Max Fried, a starting pitcher for eight years and 218 million dollars, the highest price ever for a left-hander. By acquiring Fried, they used Nestor Cortes, the main starter, as a trade card. They brought in Devin Williams, the Milwaukee Brewers' special closing pitcher, to reinforce the back door. 

One spot in the outfield without Soto was filled with a trade. The Chicago Cubs brought in Cody Bellinger, who was put on the trade market, and set up him as a center fielder. Thanks to this, Aaron Judge, the "homer king," is going back to his original position in right field. Not only that, but he has been in a tight breath by agreeing a one-year, $12.5 million FA contract with veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt as a first baseman. 

With the addition of Bellinger and Goldschmidt to the existing jersey and Giancarlo Stanton, the team has built a luxurious lineup with four former MVP players. However, since the players are past their prime except for the jersey, it is uncertain how long they will perform compared to their name value, and it seems regrettable to end the offseason as it is. 

Yankees-related media view the second baseman as a position to strengthen. Gleyber Torres, who has been a key second baseman for the past three years, has been released as an FA and remains vacant. Torres is extremely unlikely to be reunited with the Yankees due to his increasingly low batting productivity and unstable defense. 

New York media consistently put Kim Ha-sung as one of the candidates at a time when they have to find a new second baseman. "Emfire Sports Media" also mentioned Jorge Polanco, Kim Ha-sung and Torres as potential candidates for the Yankees' recruitment of infielders on the 26th (Korea Standard Time). 

On Kim Ha-sung, the media reported, "If the Yankees are willing to invest a little more, they will be able to recruit him. However, he is undergoing rehabilitation after undergoing surgery for his shoulder joint and tail surgery, and is expected to return at the end of April," adding, "Kim Ha-sung basically has an average offense power, and posted the same figure in 2024 with his career wRC+ (adjusted score productivity). He is equipped with speed and defense capability to change the course of the game. These are the two qualities that the Yankees prefer." 

The key is the condition of the shoulder undergoing surgery and rehabilitation. The media said, "If the Yankees can afford Kim Ha-sung's absence for a few weeks after the opening of the 2025 season, it is reasonable for him to play." It is argued that if he can return to the team at the end of April as expected, the contract with Kim Ha-sung is reasonable. In the Yankees, where the main shortstop Anthony Volpey is located, Kim Ha-sung can play second base and become a Keystone duo.  

Yankees-related media constantly mention Kim Ha-sung, but this is only a guess or a prospect. Specifically, there has been no news that the Yankees are interested in or contacted Kim Ha-sung. However, it is not an impossible scenario for the Yankees as they are striving to strengthen various positions after missing Soto. The Yankees can also be an attractive option for Kim Ha-sung in that he is the most prestigious and championship team.