Ha-seong Kim has one less destination… MIA Lopez trades with AL batting champion

Ha-seong Kim (28, San Diego) has one less destination. Pablo Lopez (27), who was mentioned as the opposite of Kim Ha-sung, headed to Minnesota through a 3-to-1 trade.

On the 21st (Korean time), Jeff Passan of ESPN, an American media outlet, said on his social media, “Minnesota gave up All-Star second baseman Luis Araez (26), Lopez from Miami, shortstop Jose Salas (20), and outfielder Byron Chourio (18). ),” he said. 바카라

The Venezuelan-born right-hander Lopez made his big league debut in 2018 and went 28-31 with a 3.94 ERA in 94 games. He pitched in all 94 games he pitched as a starter, and last year, he recorded 10 wins and 10 losses with an average ERA of 3.75 while digesting 180 innings, and his potential was recognized.

Becoming a free agent after the 2024 season, he was San Diego’s main target. According to the American media The Athletic, San Diego considered Ha-sung Kim and outfielder Trent Grisham (27) to sign him as a card.

However, Miami’s choice was Araez. Likewise, Araez, born in Venezuela, is a second baseman who debuted in 2019 and recorded a batting average of 0.314, 14 home runs, 132 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.784 in 389 games. His outstanding contact skills won him the American League batting title last year, and he also tasted the joy of being selected as an All-Star for the first time in his career at the second baseman Silver Slugger.

Above all, the low salary and long control period are attractive. Araez, whose annual salary is estimated at $4.7 million this year, becomes a free agent after completing the 2025 season as a Super 2 target. Minnesota gave away the hitting king, but balanced it by receiving a solid starter and two young prospects.

With this trade, Miami, which was considered a leading trade destination for Kim Ha-sung, was excluded. Kim Ha-seong received attention from many teams, including Miami and Boston, this winter for his above-average hitting and excellent defense enough to be nominated for the Gold Glove.

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