Even during long-term rehabilitation, the status of the Tampa Bay salary king remains unchanged. The Tampa Bay Rays, struggling with the poor performance of their starting shortstop, are eagerly awaiting Ha-seong Kim.

'FanSided,' a fan-side columnist site in the U.S. covering news about the Tampa Bay Rays, recently pointed out that Kim Ha-seong's return is seen as the biggest expectation factor for Tampa Bay in the upcoming May.

RCG began by saying, 'The Tampa Bay Rays will finally be able to see the key offseason acquisition player for the shortstop position next month,' and added, 'The team signed Kim Ha-seong, an infielder for the San Diego Padres, to a two-year, $29 million contract in January. While there is considerable anticipation for the rarely seen free agent signing by the team, we have yet to see Kim in actual games.'

Ha-seong Kim encountered an unexpected injury obstacle while sailing through the pre-free agency season last year in San Diego. On Aug. 19, during an away game against the Colorado Rockies, he severely injured his right shoulder while attempting a headfirst slide into first base and underwent shoulder labrum repair surgery under Dr. Neil ElAttrache, a sports medicine authority, in September.

Nonetheless, after the season ended, Kim exercised his first free agency rights in the major leagues and signed a two-year contract worth $29 million (approximately 4.17 billion won) with the small market Tampa Bay, which is affiliated with the American League East, on Jan. 30.

According to multiple media outlets, including ESPN, Kim quickly rose to become the salary king of the Tampa Bay Rays with this contract. Tampa Bay invested the second largest amount in a position player in 26 years after offering outfielder Greg Vaughn a four-year, $34 million deal in December 1999. This is the fifth-largest in Tampa Bay free agent history.

In the first year of the contract, Kim will receive $13 million (approximately 1.87 billion won) and has a $16 million (approximately 2.3 billion won) option for next year. Including an opt-out clause, he set the path to return to the free agent market after the 2025 season. Additional incentive clauses were also included.

Moreover, Tampa Bay agreed to cover expenses for hiring a translator and rehabilitation trainer, with a significant amount set at $100,000 (approximately 140 million won) for each item. Additionally, it includes eight round-trip business class flights between Korea and the U.S. and English lessons, promising Kim a superstar-level treatment.

The reason Tampa Bay hopes for Kim's swift return is that his replacement, Taylor Walls, has been struggling. RCG expressed optimism, stating, 'Currently, the Rays' shortstop Taylor Walls has a devastating batting average of .169. Kim Ha-seong’s return is expected to revitalize the team’s stagnant offense.'

Kim Ha-seong is expected to make his Tampa Bay debut around mid-next month. However, it is anticipated that it will take longer for him to fully take on the starting shortstop role. The Tampa Bay local media, Tampa Bay Times, stated, 'Kim will likely be able to start as a starting shortstop in June or July. If he returns before then, there is a chance he will be utilized in a position that puts less strain on the injury area.'

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