The ‘best friend’ major leaguer senior Lee Jung-hoo (25, Kiwoom Heroes) sought advice from. It was Kim Ha-seong (27, San Diego Padres), who boasted of fantastic breathing while playing together at Kiwoom Heroes.
Kim Ha-seong departed for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 27th. Kim Ha-seong plans to start preparing for the season in earnest after joining his team, the San Diego Padres Spring Camp, after undergoing individual training in the United States.
There is a junior who wants to follow the path Kim Ha-seong is already walking. It is Lee Jung-hoo. He will challenge the major leagues after this season. In December of last year, he already communicated his intention to challenge the major leagues to the club through the posting system. The Kiwoom club also promised to support Lee Jung-hoo’s dream and actively help him.
On the 25th (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo signed an agency contract with Boras Corporation, led by Scott Boras, who is called ‘the devil’s agent’. It was a meaningful first step towards advancing to the major leagues. However, there was someone Lee Jung-hoo asked for advice before signing the contract, and it was Kim Ha-seong.
Kim Ha-seong worked for Kiwoom Heroes with Lee Jung-hoo and advanced to the major leagues after the 2020 season. He played in 150 games in the 2022 season, posting a batting average of 0.251, 11 homers, 59 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.708. It was a valuable year that showed a better look than the 2021 season, which was the first year of his debut. He was also named as one of the three finalists for the Gold Glove shortstop category and was recognized for his defensive skills.
Such Kim Ha-sung is the object of envy to Lee Jung-hoo and also the older brother he longs for. In response to a question about Lee Jung-hoo ahead of departure on the 27th, Kim Ha-seong said, “I was contacted to say that we were having a meeting before (the contract with Boras Corporation), but there was nothing I could say. In the end, the agent appealed to (Lee) Jung-hoo. It must have been a time to do it. (My father) Director Lee Jong-beom is there, and I thought he would definitely make a good choice.” 메이저사이트
He continued, “All I can do is to listen carefully and choose an agent who can treat you well. In the end, baseball is what you have to do well.”
Boras is a master of negotiation, known as an angel to the players and a devil to the club. In this Stove League, free agent (free agent) shortstop Xander Bogarts signed a very large long-term contract. It was a big deal with San Diego, totaling $280 million over 11 years. Also, the contract between Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida and the Boston Red Sox (5 years, 90 million dollars) was the work of Boras. Previously, he worked with Korean players such as Choo Shin-soo and Ryu Hyun-jin, and is better known to domestic fans.
Prior to signing a major league contract, the role of an agent is of course important. However, in the end, a good contract can be drawn only when one’s own skills are backed up. Kim Ha-seong knew the importance of that better than anyone else. That is why he thought of his juniors and gave them sincere advice. Now, the two will be together in the WBC (World Baseball Classic) team to be held in Japan in March. Attention is once again focused on the fantasy breathing that the two will show together.