There is a prediction that Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) could hit the ‘jackpot’ as a free agent after completing the 2024 season. On the 17th (Korean time), CBS Sports of the United States ranked Ha-seong Kim in 6th place by ranking the players released in the 2024-2025 free agent market.

1st to 5th place are prominent big leaguers: Juan Soto (New York Yankees), Alex Bregman (Houston Astros), Corbin Burns (Milwaukee Brewers), Jack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies), and Jose Altuve (Houston Astros). Ha-seong Kim ranked 6th, beating out Pete Alonso (New York Mets), the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year and 2022 MLB RBI leader, and Paul Goldschmidt (St. Louis Cardinals), 4-time Gold Glove winner and 5-time Silver Slugger winner. .

Kim Ha-seong, who has received an average of about 7 million dollars per year so far, is raising expectations that he can hit the free agency jackpot and begin the second chapter of his big league career .However, CBS Sports mentioned the possibility of Kim Ha-seong signing an extension contract with San Diego before the end of the 2024 season.

CBS Sports predicted, “I am curious whether San Diego general manager AJ Preller will raise the terms for the 2025 season and sign an extension to further extend the contract period,” and predicted, “General manager Kim Ha-seong will want to keep him.” The Athletic, a sports media outlet, also said, “If San Diego signs an extension contract with Kim Ha-seong ahead of the opening, the seven-year total will increase from $130 million (approximately 117.1 billion won) to $150 million (approximately 198.2 billion won). “It was expected.”

Meanwhile, the contract with San Diego includes a mutual option for the 2025 season, but it is unlikely that Kim Ha-seong, whose price has risen through the roof, will exercise the option. Ha-seong Kim played very well last year with a batting average of 0.260 (140 hits in 538 at-bats), 17 home runs, 60 RBI, 38 stolen bases, and OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.749, and won the National League Gold Glove 스포츠토토존 (utility category).