Ha-Seong Kim is finding interest in free agency’s opening days. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com writes that the Giants have identified him as an early target. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports that the Blue Jays are also showing interest as they evaluate infield possibilities.
While this is the first substantive tie between Kim and the Giants, that fit had been speculated long before he hit free agency. Giants skipper Bob Melvin managed the infielder for two seasons with the Padres. President of baseball operations Buster Posey has called shortstop a target area. Improving defensively seems like a particular priority, as landing a shortstop could allow San Francisco to slide Tyler Fitzgerald to second base.
Willy Adames is the top free agent shortstop. He could land a six- or seven-year contract. Kim seemed to be on track for four or five years as recently as a few months ago. A season-ending shoulder injury and postseason labrum surgery make it likelier he’ll take a short-term deal. The Padres opted not to issue a qualifying offer, which Kim would almost certainly have declined if he were healthy. San Diego president of baseball ops A.J. Preller has floated a nebulous timeline for the 29-year-old’s return, suggesting he could be out between May and July. Kim’s agent Scott Boras has indicated he could be available earlier in the season, potentially before the end of April.
Kim’s value is driven largely by his glove. He has proven to be a plus defender throughout the infield, at least when he’s at full strength. While some teams could be concerned about his arm in the immediate aftermath of a significant shoulder procedure, Kim had shown a sufficient arm before the surgery to play on the left side of the infield. He’s a roughly league average hitter, compensating for middling power with good contact skills and strong walk rates. Kim hit .233/.330/.370 with 11 homers and 22 stolen bases during his platform year.
He’s also a plus defender at second base, where the Jays would ostensibly target him. Nicholson-Smith reported last night that Toronto had also checked in on Gleyber Torres. Toronto has Bo Bichette returning at shortstop. Between second and third base, they have a handful of internal options who are light on MLB experience (e.g. Will Wagner, Davis Schneider, Addison Barger, Orelvis Martinez, Ernie Clement). Toronto also used Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sporadically at the hot corner.
MLBTR predicted Kim for a one-year pillow contract valued around $12MM. His camp could try to secure a two-year guarantee that allows him to opt out after next season, though it’s not clear if teams are willing to take that risk coming off the injury. The Padres have expressed interest in bringing him back, while the Braves and Mariners are speculative possibilities to pursue middle infield help.
DonOsbourne
I don’t think he gets to $12 mil on a one year deal.
Rexhudler86
@don. He had a 5.8 war season in 2023. 4.9 war in 2022. Not to many infield options on the market. He’s getting paid.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
He either will sign a 3-4 year 45-60 million contract (because of the injury) or take the Jordan Montgomery route of 1 year 15 mil with an option for a 2nd year
mattwild1
Don’t forget that his buddy Jung Hoo Lee is also with SF.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Imagine if ha seong and hye-seong are on the same team (on top of Lee)
The announcers would get so confused who is who
Non Roster Invitee
I love soup in my butt crack.
jimmertee
Is it time for the daily BlueJays have interest article that means nothing?
Remember it is Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro that we are talking about.
They have had 8 years and 2 full baseball build cycles and done nothing towards winning a WS apart from what AA left them.
G-lo
It may sound outlandish, but I see the Giants offering him a 4 year deal, maybe more. The new front office leadership has expressed a desire to be in the memory making business. You can’t do that with players that will be around for one year at a time. Show some faith that the guy will recover most of his value
oldgfan
Good take.
Not outlandish at all.
SFG should know by now if they want a specific player they need to out spend and or out term the rest of the league.
YankeesBleacherCreature
I think they’ll land either Kim or Adames. That left side D will be ridiculous.
Rexhudler86
@ybc Kim just sounds like a giants type of player. Plus it’s from a division team.
oldgfan
Then you’re probably also a fan of buttermilk.
gravel
A true fan of culture!
letsgooakland123
Ha-Seong Kim’s offseason is like a buffet where everyone wants a taste but is worried about the potential food poisoning from that shoulder surgery. The Giants, Blue Jays, and even the Padres are circling him like diners nervously eyeing the sushi at an all-you-can-eat.
Butter Biscuits
Preller had no business saying how long Kim could possibly be out to the public. Kim is a free agent and talk like that could cost him millions from other teams
James Midway
I’m interested in the new Chicken Big Mac
VegasSDfan
$5 menu
bestone
Jays need to get rid of Martinez….nobody wants to watch a cheater
TellItGoodbye
I wanna say he’s over-hyped and not worth what he wants, but then the WAR Police will show up at my door.
Rexhudler86
@tellitgoodbye. It’s his k/bb rate. Steals. Definitely a well rounder player in a thin position or positions. Some people last year were saying ohtani was going to get a 30/1 year deal because of his injury. Plus Kim can play second.