The reason why even failure to receive the Silver Slugger award, a performance that was embarrassing to oneself, was valuable.

Silver Slugger award winners on the 10th (Korean time). Ha-Seong Kim, who was named as a finalist in the National League utility category, did not receive the Silver Slugger. Instead, Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs won the award 사설토토

The Silver Slugger is an award given to the best hitter in the league, reflecting various offensive indicators such as batting average, home runs, and RBI. Winners are selected through voting by each club and coach, and the Silver Slugger is awarded to the player with the best hitting in each defensive position.

This year, Ha-Seong Kim recorded career highs in most offensive indicators. He established himself as San Diego’s leadoff hitter, batting 0.260 (140 hits in 538 at-bats), 0.351 on-base percentage, 0.398 slugging percentage, 17 home runs, 60 RBI, 84 runs, and 38 stolen bases in 152 games.

This was something I could not have imagined during my debut season in the big league. Ha-seong Kim, who signed a 4+1 year contract worth up to $39 million in 2021 and joined San Diego, performed poorly in 117 games with 8 home runs, 34 RBIs, 27 runs, a batting average of 0.202 (54 hits in 267 at-bats), an on-base percentage of 0.270, a slugging percentage of 0.352, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.622. . He had a hard time adjusting to the fast ball and left behind a shabby report card.

However, in his second season, Ha-seong Kim became a completely different player. While starting shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was absent due to being caught using banned substances, Ha-seong Kim drew a steep growth curve. The more he played, the better his batting skills became. In 150 games in the 2022 season, Ha-seong Kim recorded 11 home runs, 59 RBIs, 58 runs, a batting average of 0.251 (130 hits in 517 at-bats), an on-base percentage of 0.325, a slugging percentage of 0.383, and an OPS of 0.708. And in 2023, his third year, he achieved even better results and had the honor of being selected as a final candidate for Silver Slugger.

Although he did not win the Silver Slugger, Ha-Seong Kim was recognized for his hitting ability. In addition, Ha-Seong Kim became the first Korean to win the Gold Glove Award. He also became the first Asian infielder to win the Gold Glove. Ichiro Suzuki, Asia’s first Gold Glove winner, received the award in the outfield category. Ha-seong Kim had the hottest year of 2023.