In 2022, his second year in the big leagues, Ha-Sung Kim (San Diego Padres) was named a finalist for Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Gold Glove National League shortstop award after hitting double-digit home runs for the first time in his career. While he didn’t end up winning, the nomination was a big deal, especially as it recognized his growth on the defensive side of the ball. 스포츠토토
However, the odds weren’t in his favor. Kim was up against Miguel Rojas and Dansby Swanson, who were both very strong players. In the case of Swanson, who won the award, he was one of the best infielders in Major League Baseball with the Atlanta Braves, so it was hard for Kim to beat him.
Kim has his sights set on a golden glove this year. He was named to the list of Gold Glove nominees, which was released on MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, and on official social media on Nov. 19. In addition to the National League second baseman category, he will face stiff competition in the utility category.
Major League Baseball Gold Glove voting is based 25 percent on the SABR Defensive Index (SDI), a metric provided by the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), and 75 percent on the votes of the on-field coaching staff. Records are one thing, but on-field voting is another.
This year’s field is just as strong as last year’s. Nico Horner (Chicago Cubs) and Bryson Stott (Philadelphia Phillies) are challenging Kim at second base, while Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Tommy Edmon (St. Louis Cardinals) are competing with him at utility.
All four of these players are among the best in the league. At second base, Horner and Stott have played 1167 and 1294⅔ innings, respectively, and have a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) of +11 and +7 (according to Baseball Reference). Kim, who played relatively few innings at second base at 856⅔ innings, has a DRS of +10.
However, the story is a little different when comparing SDI, which is developed by SABR. As of August 14, Kim’s 8.3 was higher than Stott’s (6.4) and Horner’s (5.7). Last year, when he was competing at shortstop, his SDI was 7.6, slightly lower than Swanson (7.7) and Rojas (9.0). We’ll have to wait and see what the numbers look like after August, when the Gold Glove announcement is made, but the trends are positive enough.
Most importantly, Kim is poised to win the golden glove because he’s ready to win the hearts and minds of the voters. 1He is in a much different position than he was just a few years ago.
Last month, Baseball America (BA) ranked him No. 1 as the best second baseman in the National League, ahead of the likes of Nico Horner (Chicago Cubs) and A.J. Albies (Atlanta Braves) in a survey of managers, scouts, and officials. Major League Baseball’s “experts” recognized Kim’s potential and ability. In particular, it was a significant vote because he was recognized solely for his defense, not his offense or batting average.
Local media outlets have also been covering Kim’s performance. MLB.com, which covered the best second basemen late in the season, wrote, “Kim is the most valuable player on the team, and he’s playing solid defense. He set career highs in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, OPS, and home runs.”
In July, Japanese baseball publication Full Count wrote, “There are many voices calling for Kim to be undervalued. He may not be a great hitter, but he contributes greatly as the No. 1 defense in the major leagues. His dWAR, a defensive metric, is the highest in the major leagues.” “He has also shown growth in his batting this season. He had a disappointing outing at the WBC for Korea in March, but in the major leagues, he is making his presence felt in San Diego, where there are a lot of big names.”
Kim’s teammates, who watched him more closely than anyone else, were also serious about his golden glove challenge. “Certain players are going to be recognized for what they’ve done in the past, not what the numbers say, and it’s definitely going to be his year,” said starting infielder Manny Machado, according to The Athletic.
To date, not a single Korean big leaguer has won a Gold Glove, even when the category is expanded to include “Asian infielders. Only Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki won the Gold Glove for 10 consecutive years starting in 2001. Whether or not Kim makes history will be revealed on June 6.