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Oakland A’s: Three international players to consider

By David Hill

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - AUGUST 23: Outfielder Kim Ha-Seong #7 of Kiwoom Heroes throws to the first base in the top of the fifth inning during the KBO League game between KIA Tigers and Kiwoom Heroes at the Gocheok Skydome on August 23, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - AUGUST 23: Outfielder Kim Ha-Seong #7 of Kiwoom Heroes throws to the first base in the top of the fifth inning during the KBO League game between KIA Tigers and Kiwoom Heroes at the Gocheok Skydome on August 23, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images) /

Ha-Seong Kim

Ha-Seong Kim is one of the more intriguing players available via the posting system, a 25 year old shortstop with the potential to be a five tool player.

His production in the Korean Baseball Organization was impressive. He posted a lifetime .294/.373/.493 batting line in his 3664 plate appearances, hitting 133 homers and stealing 134 bases. Kim would have been considered a top 100 prospect if he was stateside, fueling hope that he could be a 20-20 player in the future.

There are concerns with Kim, although that is more about the history of position players coming from the KBO. They have traditionally struggled with the better pitching in the majors, with Jung Ho Kang and his 5.5 bWAR as the high water mark. However, Kim’s youth and skillset is more than worth a look.

Even if he does not match those expectations, it is entirely possible that he could settle in as a player similar to Marcus Semien, filling out the stat sheet while providing better defense. More importantly for the A’s, Kim may cost less than Semien as he is a relatively unknown commodity.

Ha-Seong Kim would be a gamble for the Oakland A’s, but he is one that is worth taking.