Now, only Kim Ha-seong (28) remains among the main infielders. His teammates signed long-term contracts one after another and announced his stay in San Diego. If Ha-seong Kim continues to play a big role, there is no reason for the club not to sign a long-term contract.

MLB.com, the official homepage of Major League Baseball, said on the 2nd (Korean time), “The San Diego Padres have agreed to a 7-year contract extension with infielder Jake Cronenworth (29).”

He added, “Details of the contract have not been disclosed, but according to sources, the total amount of the contract is around 80 million dollars (approximately 104.8 billion won).”

Cronenworth, who made his big league debut in a San Diego uniform in 2020, started as second baseman in July of that year and played in 54 games, hitting 0.285, 4 homers and 20 RBIs.

Following this, he played in 152 games in the 2021 season and posted a batting average of 0.266, 21 homers and 71 RBIs, and in the 2022 season, he recorded a batting average of 0.239, 17 homers and 88 RBIs in 158 games. Above all, his multi-ability is outstanding enough that he can play all infield positions except catcher. In the 2021-2022 season, he was honored to be selected as an All-Star for the second consecutive year. He will primarily play first base this season.

With this seven-year extension contract, Cronenworth will wear a San Diego uniform and hit the ground until the 2023 season. A two-year salary arbitration period was included, and a new contract will start next year. After five years, he can qualify as a free agent (FA).

MLB.com called Cronenworth’s contract “the most lucrative contract among players over the age of 29 (Cronenworth’s age) with less than four years of service in the major leagues.”

Why Cronenworth’s long-term contract is attracting attention. It is because it may affect Kim Ha-seong. San Diego continues to sign long-term contracts for key resources in the team, but only one of the main infielders, Ha-seong Kim, has not yet been heard. If the club recognizes the value of Ha-Sung Kim, he can hit a jackpot contract just like his teammates.

Previously, San Diego signed a huge contract with major league superstar Manny Machado for 350 million dollars (458.5 billion won) in 11 years. In addition, he signed with free agent Zander Bogatz for a total of 280 million dollars (366.8 billion won) in 11 years. Darvish judo was pushed down to a total of 108 million dollars (141.5 billion won) over 6 years.

Ha-seong Kim signed a four-year contract with San Diego in January 2021. At the time, Kim Ha-sung’s agency, Acepec Corporation, said, “Kim Ha-seong signed a contract for 4 years, 28 million dollars (36.7 billion won) guaranteed, up to 32 million dollars (41.9 billion won) including options. After the 4-year contract period ends, if the mutual option is executed, the player is 5 You can receive up to 39 million dollars (51.1 billion won) a year.” The four-year contract expires at the end of next season. 먹튀검증

The American media The Athletic analyzed, “Ha-seong Kim is the only San Diego infielder who has not signed a long-term contract.”