Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres)토스카지노 has passed Shin-Soo Choo (SSG Rangers) and is now running neck and neck with Ichiro Suzuki (retired).
Kim Ha-seong went 2-for-5 with a double while batting first and third in the lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB) at Petco Park in San Diego, U.S., on Aug. 8. Hits in his last 13 games.
In doing so, Kim tied the record for most consecutive games with multiple hits (two or more in a game) by an Asian player, a streak he has held since March 23 against the Detroit Tigers. He passed Shin-Soo Choo (10 games) and tied Ichiro Ichiro (June 4-20, 2007) for the most by an Asian player.
If Kim reaches base at least twice against the Seattle Mariners at 10:40 a.m. on Sept. 9 at T-Mobile Park, he will set a new record for the longest multi-hit game by an Asian player. The MLB record is 23 games by the “Last Four Hitters” Ted Williams.
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Since breaking into the big leagues in 2021, Kim has played multiple positions in the infield, including shortstop, third base, and second base. Last year, he was one of three finalists for the Gold Glove Award at second base, proving his defensive prowess.
At the time of his initial signing, the four-year, $28 million deal didn’t seem like much. However, Kim’s stellar play this season has made him a “low-cost, high-impact” player. He has proven his offensive prowess in the MLB.
In 108 games this season, Kim is batting .288 with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs. His OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) is 0.838. He’s on pace to be one of the best outfielders in the big leagues, well above his 2021 (0.202 with 8 home runs, 34 RBIs, and a 0.622 OPS) and 2022 (0.251 with 11 home runs, 59 RBIs, and a 0.708 OPS). In a star-studded lineup that includes Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, Kim is easily the team’s top hitter. His offensive WAR (wins above replacement) of 4.2 ranks ninth in the MLB and seventh in the NL, according to Baseball-Reference.
Leadoff hitter Ha-Sung Kim is even stronger. He is one of the best leadoff hitters in the MLB. Not only does he have high accuracy and excellent on-base percentage, but he also has long balls and clutch ability.
Kim batted 6-8 in the batting order in April (0.177) and May (0.276), then moved into the leadoff spot in late June as his batting average improved. He has started the most games in the leadoff spot this season (38). His numbers are also the best. He’s batting .327 with a .438 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot. He also has a .544 on-base percentage.
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Kim’s tenacity is also evident in his 4.39 pitches per at-bat. He also has 24 stolen bases thanks to his quick feet. He’s also hit a whopping nine home runs while batting first. In short, the first baseman can hit, run, and solve problems.
“He’s a truly elite leadoff hitter in almost every way,” wrote A.J. Casabell, who covers the San Diego club for MLB’s official website. The Athletic called him one of the most surprising hitters in 2023, saying, “Given his pitch count per at-bat, it’s no wonder he’s staying in the leadoff spot.”