Ha-seong Kim continues his impressive streak.

Kim Ha-seong, playing for the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball (MLB), started as the 7th batter and shortstop in the 2024 MLB regular season away game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Massachusetts on the 29th. He recorded one hit and one run in four at-bats. This marked his seventh consecutive game with a hit, starting from the game against the Milwaukee Brewers on the 22nd.

Kim's form has been excellent. After leaving the Kiwoom Heroes and joining San Diego through the posting system (blind competitive bidding) in January 2021, he took two years to adjust. Last year, his skills fully blossomed. In 152 games, he posted a batting average of .260 (140 hits in 538 at-bats), with 17 home runs, 83 runs scored, and 38 stolen bases. His OPS (on-base plus slugging) was .749. Kim showcased his outstanding defense, playing second base, third base, and shortstop, and won the National League (NL) Gold Glove in the utility category.

His status changed rapidly. San Diego’s new manager Mike Shildt appointed Kim as the starting shortstop. The trust was so great that Xander Bogaerts, one of MLB's top stars, was moved to second base. Kim hinted at a strong performance by hitting well in spring training.

However, his slump prolonged. From the beginning of the season, he struggled with his hitting. Earlier this month, he went hitless in three consecutive games. His batting average remained stagnant.

Recently, Kim has been on a hitting streak again. He has demonstrated his value in the big leagues with his exceptional defense as a shortstop. The American media outlet MLB Trade Rumors evaluated him as "a good hitter with excellent strike zone recognition and contact ability. He draws walks as often as he strikes out. Despite his impressive defensive metrics, his BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) is only .236."

The outlet continued, "After a struggling first season in MLB, Kim has recorded a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of around 4.0 over the past two years. He is expected to post similar numbers this year. His contact ability, defense, and baserunning skills make him an above-average starting player. He could secure a five-year contract in free agency."

In his first visit to Fenway Park, Kim recorded a hit, continuing his positive momentum. During his 502 MLB games, he had never played at Fenway Park until now. From the game against the Milwaukee Brewers on the 22nd to the game today, Kim has maintained a seven-game hitting streak, bringing his season batting average to .223 (63 hits in 282 at-bats). (먹튀검증)