Ha Sung Kim Recognized as ‘Airborne Chief of Staff’… Silver Slugger Finalist

Ha-Sung Kim (San Diego Padres) has been recognized for his hitting prowess.
Major League Baseball announced its Silver Slugger finalists on Wednesday, and Kim was named a National League utility candidate.

Major League Baseball separates offense and defense. While the Gold Glove is awarded to the best defender, the Silver Slugger is awarded to the best hitter, regardless of defense.

Major League Baseball “Ha Sung Kim had his best season ever”

Kim was nominated for both the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove this season, so he was clearly recognized as one of the best players in Major League Baseball.

If he wins the Silver Slugger, he will be the first Korean player to do so. Kim was San Diego’s leadoff hitter this season, batting .260 with a .351 on-base percentage, .398 slugging percentage, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases.

Despite a late-season slump and a series of injuries that saw him fall just short of the 20-homer, 40-RBI milestone, there is a lot of praise for Kim.

“He had his best season of the year,” Major League Baseball’s official website said of the Silver Slugger nominee, “getting all over the San Diego infield and hitting 17 home runs while stealing 38 bases.”

In his first year in the majors, Kim was recognized for his defense, but struggled at the plate as he was unable to adjust to the fastballs of major league pitchers. However, in his third year, his batting has blossomed as he’s overcome his only weakness.

Kim’s offense and defense make him one of the best in the majors

However, the competition is stacked. The favorite, Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers), will be looking to win his sixth Silver Slugger award after a tremendous year of offensive production with a .307 batting average, 39 home runs, 107 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases.

Another candidate, Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs), is also back to his best with a .307 batting average, 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases.

Even if Kim is unlikely to win the award, the mere fact that he was nominated for his hitting ability is a huge accomplishment. 보스토토 주소

For the Gold Glove, which recognizes defense, Kim was nominated in two categories: second base and utility. The major leagues are hoping that Kim will win the award because his defense is so well known.

Major League Baseball will announce the Gold Glove winners on June 6 and the Silver Slugger winners on June 10.