Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Kim Hye-sung is consistently performing well and frustrating Seattle Mariners fans. This is because the perfect puzzle piece that Seattle needed to secure in the offseason is shining on another team.
A media outlet primarily reporting on Seattle, 'Sodo Mojo,' noted on the 16th (Korean time) that “Kim Hye-sung, who was sent down to Triple-A during the middle of spring training, seemed to have a bleak outlook for this season, but has been showcasing his potential since making his Major League debut. After his first starting appearance, he has wielded a hot bat with 9 hits in 25 at-bats and 1 home run over 9 games, clearly making his presence felt with the star-studded Dodgers.”
The outlet further stated that “Seattle had shown actual interest in acquiring Kim Hye-sung and there were reports of a contract offer. Kim recorded a career batting average of .340 (1,043 hits in 3,433 at-bats) and 211 stolen bases in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League, making him an ideal player who has also won the Gold Glove award four times. Nevertheless, Kim signed a contract with the Dodgers worth a total of $12.75 million over 3 years, which was lower than the budget Seattle could use for new player acquisitions ($15 million).”
It added, “Subsequently, Seattle acquired Jorge Polanco, who is currently helping the team significantly. However, while Kim Hye-sung struggled with a .252 batting average in Triple-A, he has shown an upgraded performance since being called up to the big leagues, while Seattle has been plagued by recent injury challenges, causing both offense and defense to falter. The presence of versatile Kim Hye-sung is only more regrettable from Seattle's perspective.”
Kim Hye-sung is providing significant help to the team, playing various positions including second base, shortstop, and center field. The outlet pointed out that “Seattle had the budget to acquire both Kim Hye-sung and Polanco, but ultimately signed Polanco and Donovan Solano. Solano has not lived up to expectations, posting a disappointing performance with 8 hits in 58 at-bats and a .138 batting average, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.”
As of the 15th, Seattle is leading the American League West Division. However, they are only one game ahead of the second-place Houston Astros. The outlet emphasized that “holding on until injured players return is the only survival strategy,” and added, “Kim Hye-sung was a realistic candidate for acquisition, and his performance is accentuating the anxiety brought about by the Seattle front office's offseason strategy failure.”
Additionally, it stated, “At this point, when the perfect puzzle piece that could have been secured is shining next door, Seattle fans are asking, ‘Why did we let him go?’” reflecting a bitter reaction to Kim Hye-sung's success.
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