Tampa Bay Rays' Kim Ha-seong (30) has finally returned to Major League Baseball.

MLB.com reported on the 4th (Korean time) that 'five months after acquiring Kim Ha-seong in one of the largest free agent contracts in franchise history, the Rays have added the dynamic shortstop to their Major League roster. Instead, Curtis Mead has been sent down to Triple-A.'

Kim Ha-seong has a career batting average of .242 over 540 Major League games (1,725 at-bats, 418 hits) along with 47 home runs, 200 runs batted in, 229 runs scored, and 78 stolen bases, with an OPS of .706. He is recognized for his exceptional defensive skills, having won the 2023 National League Gold Glove in the institutional sector of utility players. He qualified for free agency after last season and signed a 2-year, $29 million contract (about 39.6 billion won) with Tampa Bay.

Kim Ha-seong, who underwent right shoulder surgery last October, had planned to return in May this year but has faced delays. Nonetheless, he completed his rehabilitation games with a .208 batting average in 21 minor league games (72 at-bats, 15 hits) including 6 runs batted in, 11 runs scored, and 6 stolen bases, with an OPS of .602, and was registered on the Major League roster from the 60-day injured list.

MLB.com explained that 'the Rays have made it clear that they plan to use Kim Ha-seong as their starting shortstop after signing him. However, there is also a possibility he could be utilized as an infield utility player. Kim Ha-seong played 9 games at shortstop, 5 games at second base, and 7 games as a designated hitter during his rehabilitation games.'

Tampa Bay has recorded 48 wins and 39 losses with a win percentage of .552 this season. They are currently in 3rd place in the American League East but just half a game behind the co-leaders, the Yankees and Toronto. They are effectively in 2nd place in the wild card race and are maintaining their postseason qualification.

MLB.com stated that 'ideally, the Rays expect Kim Ha-seong to provide energy and offensive power from the lower part of the batting order, along with reliable defense to help in the American League East championship race. During his four seasons with the Padres, Kim Ha-seong recorded a slash line of .242/.326/.380 and accumulated a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 15.1,' analyzing the role Tampa Bay anticipates for Kim Ha-seong.

With Kim Ha-seong's return, significant changes are expected in the Tampa Bay infield. MLB.com predicted that 'one of the best defenders in Major League Baseball, Taylor Walls, may continue to start at shortstop in place of Kim Ha-seong. Additionally, Jose Caballero, who can play all outfield positions as well as second and third base, may also get opportunities to play.'

Kim Ha-seong, returning to Major League Baseball, is expected to make his Tampa Bay debut in the three-game road series against the Minnesota Twins starting on the 5th.

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