Padres News: MLB Insider Believes Ha-Seong Kim Deserves All-Star Nod
The value of Ha-Seong Kim has never been shot down by anybody within the Padres' organization or fanbase. There is a reason why every time he steps up to the plate, the entirety of Petco Park's audience starts chanting his name just waiting for him to make a big play.
Already numerous times this season, he has came up huge on nights where the rest of the San Diego's star power could not garner hits and connected on a game-changing RBI or homer. Kim showed what to expect from him this year early on during a game at the beginning of April against the Arizona Diamondbacks when it was his turn to bat in the ninth inning and the score was tied 4-4.
The result? A walk-off home run and a goodnight!
Kim has also been known as one of the Padres' most versatile infielders and can cover multiple spots on defense. He's been inserted at third base, shortstop and really can go anywhere the team needs him to on any given night.
The 27-year-old already shared his personal goals in 2023 to take home his first Gold Glove award as he has realized the level he's been playing during this first quarter of the season. However, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller took it a step further and thinks that an All-Star appearance wouldn't be out of the question for him.
"But at least as far as bWAR is concerned, the most valuable player on San Diego's roster—and by a considerable margin—has been Ha-seong Kim (27). He deserves to be an All-Star, and should probably be this year's recipient of the utility-player Gold Glove award added this past season, as he has provided a ton of value on defense whilst bouncing around between three infield spots."
(Via Bleacher Report)
