Song Sung-moon's 19.2 billion-dollar hit to San Diego. How did you see the U.S.

[My Daily = Reporter Lee Jung-won] "It has been rated one level below Kim Ha-sung."

Song Sung-moon, who stands tall as one of the best third basemen in the KBO League, is approaching his dream of entering the Major League. U.S. media reported that Song signed a three-year contract with the San Diego Padres with a guaranteed total of 13 million dollars. Song left for the U.S. on the evening of the 19th, and the club is expected to make an official announcement after going through all procedures including medical tests.

Song was one of the best third basemen in the KBO League last year and this year. He recorded 179 hits, 19 homers, 104 RBIs, 88 runs and 21 steals with a batting average of 0.340 in 142 games during the 2024 season, and recorded 181 hits, 26 homers, 90 RBIs, 103 runs and 25 steals with a batting average of 0.315 in 144 games in the 2025 season. He made this season his best season by winning the Golden Glove, the KBO's third baseman's defense award, and the Player of the Year award selected by players of the Korea Professional Baseball Players Association.

Major League Trade Rumors said on the 20th (Korea time), "Song Sung-moon, who has had an overwhelming season in the KBO League for two consecutive years, has embarked on a major league challenge. "The Kiwoom Heroes made his challenge a reality by posting him in the Major League last month," he said. "Song Sung-moon has been considered one step below Kim Ha-sung, who is considered the best Korean player who has recently entered the Major League. There have also been debates over whether he is a main infielder in the Major League or close to utility resources."

"Even considering the possibility of staying as a bench resource instead of a main player, the contract size is sufficient for San Diego. A multi-year contract with an annual average of less than 5 million dollars is not a big burden to San Diego. The San Diego Padres hired Jose Iglesias as a minor contract last season. He used it as a bench member by paying an annual salary of 3 million dollars. Song is also expected to play a role similar to Iglesias' role, a substitute resource for all infield positions," he added.

"Song Sung-moon mostly played third base in the KBO league, but Manny Machado is in charge of San Diego's third base. Of course, there is a possibility that the San Diego Padres will grant Machado, who turns 33 years old, an occasional designated hitter. Chances are high that most of them will take on the first and second bases. "He already has considerable experience in playing in Korea," Song said. "Chances are high that he will take the first and second bases most of the time. These are positions that he has considerable experience in playing in Korea. In particular, the first base can be the most realistic position for Song to get regular opportunities to play."

What kind of success myth can Song Sung-moon write in the Major League that he dreamed of.