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Here's Ha-Seong Kim thread. Will try to include some info and stats on the shortstop/3B from #KBO, plus some details on posting. Here we go:
This year in 138 games (out of 144): .306/.397/.523. 30 HR, 109 RBI, 111 R, 23 SB.
Career highs in OBP, SLG, HR, 2nd highest AVG, R
This year in 138 games (out of 144): .306/.397/.523. 30 HR, 109 RBI, 111 R, 23 SB.
Career highs in OBP, SLG, HR, 2nd highest AVG, R
This was his 2nd 20-20 season. He also had seasons of 19-22 (2015), 19-33 (2019), 23-16 (2017). Stole his first 20 straight bags without getting caught this year, a KBO record.
3rd round draft pick in 2014. Debuted that same year before turning 19. Still just 25 years old.
3rd round draft pick in 2014. Debuted that same year before turning 19. Still just 25 years old.
Official KBO guide lists him at 5'11/172lbs (179cm/78kg) but packs a lot of punch. Regarded as an athletic fielder with a strong arm. Handled some 3B this year after Kiwoom acquired former Cubs SS Addison Russell in summer.
Kim ranked 5th among KBO shortstops and 4th among third basemen (smaller sample) in adjusted fielding runs above average (5.83 and 3.20, respectively). Offensively, it wasn't close at all. Kim was head and shoulders above everyone.
Kim became the Heroes' new everyday shortstop in 2015 after Jung Ho Kang left the team to sign with the Pirates. Kang still owns the KBO record for most HR by shortstop (40). He hit 15 as a big league rookie in 2015 and 21 in 318 at-bats in 2016 before DUI conviction did him in
I would say Kang probably had more raw power at his peak but Kim is a better fielder and a more natural athlete. Kang played more often at 3B than SS in the majors, and perhaps Kim could go down that path.
Based on my experience with Kim... He's a quiet, unassuming guy. He's not the most interesting interview in the KBO but no one outside media cares about that, right? 
He's the typical, "I'll let my play speak" type of athlete.
If you've come this far, thanks for reading!
He's the typical, "I'll let my play speak" type of athlete.If you've come this far, thanks for reading!
