San Diego Padres fans cannot wait for new season as Ha-seong Kim belts two dingers against Czech Republic in WBC

San Diego Padres fans were overjoyed to see their star player Ha-seong Kim hit two homers for Team Korea in their World Baseball Classic (WBC) game against Team Czech Republic at the Tokyo Dome Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Korea came out with triumphs as they defeated the Czechs 7-3.

Ha-seong Kim was signed by the Padres ahead of the 2021 season for a four-year, 28 million contract. Kim became a regular shortstop for the Padres due to an injury to Fernando Tatis Jr. Kim finished the 2021 season batting .202 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs, and six stolen bases in 117 games. He improved last season with a .251 average of 11 home runs, 59 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and .708 OPS in 150 games played.

Korea moved to a 1-2 record in the Pool. They are yet to play against Team China. The Koreans will also keep a close eye on Team Australia's games against Japan and the Czech Republic as they are currently the second-placed team in the standings.

Kim hit his second home run in the seventh inning to right field. It was a solo homer and the last run scored by Team Korea. Padres fans shared their excitement on Twitter, elated by the 27-year-old's performance.

Some fans even stated that Kim could save some up for the majors if the Padres are up against their Divisional rivals, Los Angeles Dodgers.

Others showed similar reactions supporting Kim as he led the Korean batting lineup in homers scored in the game.

Ha-seong Kim might have to play second baseman as Fernando Tatis Jr. returns

Fernando Tatis will be returning to the Padres lineup this season as the primary shortstop after suffering a suspension and time off from injury. This would mean that Ha-seong Kim might have to adapt to a different role if he has to regularly feature in the batting lineup.

The top four of the Padres - Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto - are arguably the strongest in the league as they look to consolidate their season and have a deep run into the playoffs.