“The only one who didn’t do it was Kim Ha-sung, if I do well this year…” SD contract extension prospects
The San Diego Padres are tying their key infielders to long-term contracts. Now, only Kim Ha-seong (28) remains. There is also a prospect that Ha-seong Kim will receive an extension contract if he does well this season.
The American ‘The Athletic’ reported on the 1st (Korean time) that San Diego had agreed to a 7-year contract extension with infielder Jake Cronenworth (29). According to additional reports such as ‘ESPN’ on the 2nd and 2nd, it is a condition that includes the right to refuse trade to 8 teams under the condition of 7 years and 80 million dollars.
This year is the first year of salary adjustment, and Cronenworth’s new contract, which is worth $4.225 million, will start next year. Following two years of adjusting his salary, he spent his first five years of free agency with San Diego, virtually spending his prime here.
Cronenworth, a right-handed left-handed infielder, came to San Diego through a trade in December 2019 after being named by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 7th round, 208th overall, in the 2015 draft. Shortly after making his major league debut in 2020, he made the jump to become San Diego’s starting second baseman.
Until last year, he recorded 340 hits, 42 home runs, and 179 RBIs in 364 games for three years. He ranked second in the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year in 2020, and was also selected as an All-Star for two consecutive years in 2021-2022.
The Athletic said, ‘Cronenworth can play second base, first base, and even shortstop. He will continue to provide useful flexibility for the team,’ he explained, with San Diego seeing his work stance, baseball IQ, and exemplary ability for the extension. Until last year, he was the main second baseman, but this year, with the arrival of free agent shortstop Zander Bogatz (31), shortstop Kim Ha-seong moved to second base, and Cronenworth also moved to first base.
As a result, San Diego signed a series of long-term contracts with key infielders. Following the acquisition of free agent shortstop Bogatz for 11 years and $280 million in December last year, third baseman Manny Machadowa (31) signed an 11-year, $350 million contract extension in February. Both players are guaranteed until the age of 41 in 2033. In addition, Cronenworth will continue to accompany San Diego until the age of 36 in 2030.
Among the main infielders, only Kim Ha-seong remained. Ha-seong Kim, who signed a contract with San Diego in December 2020 for up to $39 million in 4+1 years, will become a free agent after the season next year if the mutual option for $7 million in 2025 is not triggered.
The Athletic said, “The only player among San Diego’s main infielders who has not signed a long-term contract is second baseman and shortstop Kim Ha-seong, who can become a free agent after the 2024 season.” ‘ offered a view. 스포츠토토
Starting with pitcher Joe Musgrove (5 years, $100 million) last summer, San Diego extended contracts with Yu Darvish (6 years, $108 million) and Machado, and internal free agent pitcher Roberto Suarez (5 years, $46 million), Re-signed with Nick Martinez (3 years, $26 million). He highly evaluated the players inside and gave them big contracts. The Athletic picked outfielders Juan Soto and Trent Grisham as well as closer Josh Hader, along with Kim Ha-seong, as players San Diego might consider extending the contract.