Участник:Soaring value, waiting in line for the team you want
San Diego is not the largest market in California either. Compared to Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas, the market size is small. However, many officials in the Major League were surprised when San Diego exceeded $200 million in annual salary and was within sight of luxury tax. They asked, "Where will that money come from?" and "Is it on a sustainable scale?"
However, many people are concerned that San Diego received a loan worth 50 million dollars during the season and spent it on operating expenses. This is because it means that there was not enough money even though it was a big hit in the crowd mobilization with star marketing this year. Some predict that San Diego, which has currently signed a broadcasting rights contract, will go bankrupt and one major cash cow has been blocked, will go into tightening.
San Diego has many players who have already signed long-term contracts in the process of hitting hard. Players such as Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Darvish Yu, Xander Bogaerts, and Zomersgrove. They also have the right to reject the trade. It's not easy to export either. Therefore, it is expected that players before acquiring free agency (FA) qualifications and players who are still young and valuable in the market will be put up for sale in some trades.
Juan Soto is a representative player. Soto, one of the best players in the league, will qualify for the FA after the 2024 season. He received 23 million dollars in annual salary this year, and is likely to surpass Shohei Ohtani's highest salary adjustment (30 million dollars) set this year next year, the last year of salary adjustment. For long-term contracts, late $400 million, even $500 million, is being discussed. If San Diego cannot afford to embrace Soto, it will be beneficial to put it on the trade market this winter.
On the contrary, in order to protect Soto, one of the best stars in the team, there is also a way to give up a few pitchers with options such as Nick Martinez and trade other fielders to reduce payroll. AJ Casabel, a reporter in charge of San Diego on the Major League's official website, predicted this possibility on the 2nd (Korea Standard Time). Trent Grisham, Kim Ha-sung and Jake Cronenworth are the players. Grisham and Kim Ha-sung are before they get the FA. Cronenworth has a seven-year, $80 million (about 105.1 billion won) contract that will be implemented next year, but the average amount is not that high and he is still a young player, so there may be demand in the market.
Casabel said, 'Kim Ha-sung had the best year of his career and, like Soto, is a free agent after next season. He is unlikely to transfer, but it is not unimaginable.' As Kim Ha-sung has a large proportion of the team, it will not be easy to give up, but it is expected that it will cost a lot of money to catch Kim Ha-sung. A good offer might open up the possibility of a trade. On the other hand, shortstop Jackson Merrill, the team's top prospect, should be opened.
Casabel said, "The team can ease the excess condition of the central infield by transferring one of Kim Ha-sung and Cronenworth." Kim Ha-sung plays both second, third, and interceptors. Cronenworth originally had a primary position of second base, and this year he saw first base and can also play shortstop in an emergency. Considering Xander Bogaerts and Merrill, the main shortstop, there are many center infielders. Casabel highly valued both players, saying, "Both players are solid offense, excellent defense, and popular in the clubhouse."
San Diego general manager A.J. Preller said honestly after last year's winter meeting, "There were trade inquiries for Kim Ha-sung and Grisham." The choice to keep Kim Ha-sung returned to the best effect, but the Kim Ha-sung trade inquiry suggests that there will likely be another one this year. Kim Ha-sung may also be sad to leave San Diego, but if he finds a team that can play shortstop a year before the FA, it can be of great help to build his own value. It is expected that San Diego will continue to draw attention until mid-December.