For Kim Ha-sung and the Tampa Bay Rays, this offseason is full of uncertainty. Kim Ha-sung was recovering from surgery on his right shoulder when he entered free agency, which prevented him from making it to the opening game and raised questions about his form after his comeback. The Rays, on the other hand, were forced to temporarily use Steinbrenner Field as their home stadium for the new season due to Hurricane Milton damaging Tropicana Field.

Eventually, the two sides overcame those uncertainties and agreed on a two-year, $29 million contract, which was officially announced on Monday night. The contract also includes a $2 million incentive bonus (based on the number of seats played) and a player option for 2026.

Once fully recovered, Kim Ha-sung will serve as the starting shortstop for the Rays, breathing life into the squad that needs to be improved and solidifying key positions in the infield.

"I'm very honored to be on a team of such a great size as the Tampa Bay Rays and look forward to having a competitive season with them," Kim Ha-sung said in a Zoom press conference via translation David Lee. "I know my shoulder injury has made the situation special, but I can say that I am feeling good now and the recovery is going well. Once again, I would like to thank the Rays for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to get fit and be 100 percent of myself again. ”

"I'm going to do everything I can – not only in my recovery, but also when I come back – to win more games for the Rays and hopefully we can win the World Series together."

Kim Ha Sung, 29, provided a positive update on his recovery from labral repair surgery on his right shoulder. He said he was "feeling good" and had started batting and pitching drills. He is tentatively expected to return around May, but he did not give a specific timeline, saying only that he is "fully recovering, trying to get back to action as soon as possible".

"Not only is he talented, but his style of play is very entertaining and loved by fans, just like he did when he was in San Diego," said Eric Neander, president of baseball operations. "Although he won't be able to make it to the opening game, we hope the wait won't be too long. Ideally, he'll be able to join us when we're off to a good start and prove we're capable of competing for a playoff spot. ”

Neander said the Rays expressed interest in Kim Ha-sung early in the offseason, when they didn't know much about his recovery and the team's home problems. As winter progressed, the two sides gradually clarified the situation, and finally reached a deal that agent Scott Borras called "very beneficial for both parties".

Kim Ha-sung said it was important to find an opportunity that would allow him to serve as a guerrilla, his natural position. He called it a "comfortable" position that allows him to "put out the best in himself as a baseball player."

Kim acknowledged that the Rays' temporary move to Steinbrenner Field was one of the factors he considered, but he was reassured by the facility's facilities and the conditions that met major league standards.

"I communicated with Scott and it was a very easy decision because I knew I was joining a very good team and it was a very good offer," Kim Ha-sung said. "It's an offer I can't refuse."

Meanwhile, the Rays are excited to sign a player with outstanding defensive ability (2022 Shortstop Golden Glove finalist, 2023 Tool Man Golden Glove Award winner) and offensive potential.

Neander said their assessment of Kim Ha-sung (based on site visits and remote analysis) was validated after the agreement was reached. He received feedback from current and retired players, including team legend Evan Longoria, praising Kim Ha-sung's dynamic style of play and popularity among his teammates.