Kim Ha-seong, possibility of eating together with 567.7 billion won superstar… “LAA trade promoted”
Trade rumors have spread about Mike Trout (32), superstar of the Major League Baseball LA Angels. San Diego has been mentioned as a likely destination, and there is a possibility of sharing a meal with Korean infielder Kim Ha-seong (28).메이저놀이터
The American daily newspaper USA Today recently reported, “The Angels will attempt to trade Trout in the upcoming offseason.”
In an interview with the Orange County Register, a local media outlet in LA, Trout said, “I haven’t thought about a trade yet,” but added, “But there will definitely be talk about this come winter. I know what the direction and plan are for everything related to the trade.” “It’s to see,” he said, sharing his thoughts.
Trout, who debuted in the major league in 2011 at the age of 20, played his first full-time role in the big league in 2012 and won the American League Rookie of the Year award with outstanding performances such as a batting average of 0.326, 30 home runs, 83 RBI, and 49 stolen bases. He later grew into a superstar representing the league, receiving attention as a ‘5-tool player’.
Trout, who is in his 13th season in the major leagues this year, has been selected as an All-Star 11 times and won the National League MVP (Best Player) title three times. His career records include 1,489 games, a batting average of 0.301, 368 home runs, 940 RBI, and 206 stolen bases. Among active players in the big leagues, he is recording the best performance, with no one surpassing his career OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.994.
However, Trout’s biggest drawback is that he has suffered from major and minor injuries every year since 2017 and has not been able to complete the season. Trout, who played in only 36 games in 2021 due to injury, played only 82 games (batting average of 0.263, 18 home runs, 44 RBIs) this year, including being placed on the injured list (IL) twice in July and August. These physical problems are expected to be a variable in the trade market.
USA Today said, “Trout signed a long-term contract with his current team, the Angels, until 2030, when he turns 38. His remaining annual salary alone amounts to a whopping $248.2 million (approximately 330.1 billion won),” adding, “Therefore, Trout is past his prime. He predicted, “His physical condition, high salary, and his right to veto trades against all major league teams will be variables.” Trout signed a huge contract worth $426.5 million (about 567.7 billion won) over 12 years starting in 2019.
The media first mentioned the New York Yankees as Trout’s trade destination. The reasons were cited as the Yankees’ financial ability to cover his price and the poorest outfield in the league. The Yankees’ WAR (Contribution to Wins Above Replacement) of their outfielders this season is only 1.0, the second-worst in the entire major league.
Ha-seong Kim’s team, San Diego, was also mentioned as another destination.
San Diego’s outfield WAR this season is 10.9, the third best in the entire major league. However, the future of Juan Soto (25), a key player in the outfield, is unclear. He qualified for salary adjustment for the second time this year and received $23 million (about 30.6 billion won), and will be eligible for salary adjustment again after the season ends. As of the 20th, Soto has played in 152 games this season and is recording a batting average of 0.268, 32 home runs, and 100 RBIs. The OPS is also a whopping 0.911. Therefore, a significant increase in salary is expected next year.
It is reported that Soto wants a multi-year contract. But his price is a burden. Therefore, the scenario where San Diego trades Soto and recruits Trout is gaining persuasiveness. In addition, the media predicted that based on San Diego General Manager AJ Preller’s aggressive investment approach, the team could retain both Soto and Trout.