MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, has recognized Kim as the San Diego Padres’ Most Improved Player of the Season.
MLB.com highlighted Kim Ha-seong in an article on Thursday (June 14) that highlighted one player from each team as the “Most Improved Player of the Season.
San Diego staff writer AJ Casabell wrote, “Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) and Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers) are in a tight race for the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award this season, Matt Olson (Atlanta) and Freddie Freeman (Dodgers) are right behind them.” “But do you know who is fifth in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in the NL?” he asked, before introducing Kim.먹튀검증
In fact, according to Baseball-Reference, Kim’s 5.7 WAR ranks fifth in the league behind Betts (8.1), Acuña Jr. (7.6), Olson (6.4) and Freeman (6.2). At one point, he was second in the NL and second in the league overall behind Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels). With a .268 batting average, 17 home runs, and 35 stolen bases, Kim is having one of his best seasons on the offensive side of the ball, putting his name at the top of the WAR leaderboard.
“Kim has been one of the few bright spots for the Padres, who have underperformed this season,” the publication noted. “He has developed into an elite leadoff hitter, ranking second in the NL in pitches per plate appearance,” the publication said, citing his stolen bases, batting average, and on-base percentage (.358). “No one on the team can match his defense. He’s done a great job at second and third base and anywhere else the team needs him.”