![Kim Ha-sung, who was about to sign a San Diego contract, was recognized for his worth on decent terms. [뉴스1]](https://i0.wp.com/pds.joins.com/news/component/htmlphoto_mmdata/202012/31/eadb22d1-5614-457c-a424-83cddff55d57.jpg?w=560&ssl=1)
Kim Ha-sung, who was about to sign a San Diego contract, was recognized for his worth on decent terms. [뉴스1]
The outline of the basic terms and conditions of the contract between infielder Kim Ha-sung (25) and Major League Baseball (MLB) San Diego Padres are emerging. US San Diego Union Tribune said on the 30th (Korean time), “Kim Ha-sung has decided to sign a four-year contract with the San Diego club for a total of 25 million dollars (about 27.3 billion won).” Although it did not meet the conditions expected by other media ($40 million in 5 years), it is a sufficient amount to be seen as acknowledging the value of Kim Ha-sung.
Ha-sung Kim and San Diego contract terms outlined
The $25 million is after Ryu Hyun-jin (33, Toronto Blue Jays) in terms of the total amount among Korean players who entered the big leagues through the posting system (private competitive bidding). Ryu Hyun-jin signed with the LA Dodgers in 2013 for a total of $36 million in six years. Ha-sung Kim, who has an annual average of $6.25 million, has a shorter contract term than Ryu Hyun-jin, which has reduced the total amount.
It is the highest amount in the infield. This is more than Park Byeong-ho (34, Kiwoom) and Kang Jung-ho (33, retired) who went to the big leagues before Kim Ha-seong. Park Byeong-ho signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins for 4 years for $12 million in 2016, and Kang Jung-ho with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 15 years for 4 years for $11 million. Both had an option for the club to decide whether to renew the contract in the fifth year. Ha-sung Kim will receive more than double the money of Park Byeong-ho and Kang Jeong-ho on a four-year basis.
However, Kim Ha-sung’s transfer fee (posting fee) received by Kiwoom is 5 million dollars (about 5.5 billion won), less than half of Park Byeong-ho’s. This is because the posting rules have changed since 2018. Previously, the club that bid the most posting fees had exclusive bargaining rights for players. The Dodgers spent $25.72 million on Ryu Hyun-jin posting fees. But now 30 clubs can negotiate at the same time. The transfer fee depends on the total amount of the contract.
According to the rules, if the player’s total contract amount is less than $25 million, the transfer fee will be set at 20% of that amount. Accordingly, Kiwoom gets less money than Park Byeong-ho ($12.85 million) or Kang Jeong-ho ($5 million, 2015).
Reporter Bae Youngeun [email protected]