In his third year in the big leagues, Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) has been recognized as the best player in the National League by local media in the United States.

ESPN ranked Kim fifth in the midterm standings of this year’s Major League Baseball MVP race, according to its Award Index (AXE), a ranking program developed by the American sports media outlet.

With 133.8 points, Kim was followed by Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves (147.1 points), Mookie Betts and Prairie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers (145.7 points), and Atlanta’s Matt Olson (143.9 points).

Through 18 games, Kim is batting .281 (400-for-112) with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs, 27 doubles and an OPS of .809 in 117 games this season. In addition to his role as the team’s leadoff hitter to open up the offense, his defense at second base is considered one of the best in the majors.

In 2021, his rookie season, Kim batted .202 (54-for-267) with eight home runs, 34 RBI, six doubles, and a .622 OPS in 117 games. While he proved valuable at every position in the infield – third base, second base, and shortstop – his offense was coldly underwhelming.

However, Kim broke out last year, hitting .251 (130-for-517) with 11 home runs, 59 RBI, 12 doubles and a .708 OSP in 150 games. He took over the starting shortstop job while Fernando Tatis Jr. was sidelined with injuries and a PED suspension and had his best season yet, earning a spot as one of three finalists for the National League Gold Glove shortstop award.

When San Diego signed Xander Bogaerts as a free agent before the season, Kim moved from shortstop to second base, but it didn’t hurt his game. He’s now in contention for both the Gold Glove, which is awarded to the best defender, and the Silver Slugger, which is awarded to the best hitter at each position. 카지노

While Kim’s chances of winning an MVP award are slim, the fact that he is being recognized by major American sports media outlets is significant. It puts him on the radar of not only San Diego, but the entire league.