Since I began watching baseball, there has been a common prejudice against Korean players on how they aren’t able to handle the velocity of pitches in the MLB. In a way, this was a proven fact (sorry, Byung-Ho Park). High leg kicks and long bat paths, some of which are the most common traits of a typical Korean swing, was inefficient in dealing with 95+ mph fastballs.
Ha-Seong proved this wrong.
As one of the best defensive short-stops in the league, Ha-Seong Kim flipped the script. His opportunities were limited to some degree due to his weak bat, but his defensive abilities helped him keep his sport in the league. Two essential defensive stats—DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) and OAA (Outs Above Average)—were historical. He showed the potential of how a Korean player could be athletic and skillful at the same time. One of the best traits a Korean player brings to the clubhouse is discipline. KBO players rarely take chances at bat. Ha-Seong Kim’s discipline resulted in a successful transition to a short swing that allowed him to catch up to 95+ mph fastballs. It was a calculated move to re-engineer his mechanics that eventually led to the solid batting performance.
However, the adjustment period means that there is a steep learning curve as well. The velocity difference of a four-seam fastball between the KBO (avg 89 mph) and MLB (avg 94 mph) is massive. It takes one or two seasons at the minimum for Korean players to adjust their timing to the MLB fastball, which by then they may be out of the league.
I see Ha-Seong as the ultimate “Growth Mindset” star. Comparing it to my writing tool, I view him as the “Counter-Argument” step. He identified a counter-argument (MLB fastballs), mapped out the relevant evidence, and adjusted his argument to fit it. Now, he’s a Gold Glover and one of the most decorated Korean baseball players.