*Photo from Jays Journal*
The Padres love to make moves. The Padres have signed Korean Infielder Ha-Seong Kim, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Kim's deal is for 4 years and $28 million, with incentives worth up to an additional $4 million based on plate appearances. The Padres have confirmed the deal.
Kim spent the 2020 season with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO, hitting .306 with 30 homers and 109 RBI in 138 games played with the Heroes. In his 7 Korean seasons, Kim is a .294 hitter with 133 homers and 575 RBI in 891 career games, spending his entire career with Kiwoom. Kim also has a career .866 OPS as well.
Kim has spent his time in Korea as a shortstop and third baseman primarily, but the Padres already have Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr at those positions, so Kim will likely play second base for the majority of the time, perhaps in a platoon with NL Rookie of the year finalist Jake Cronenworth. The Padres love versatile players, and Kim has the potential to be one of those, as he can draw starts at shortstop of 3rd base whenever Machado and/or Tatis need a day off.
Kim's abilites and skill made him one of the most coveted free agents, as there were several teams who had made offers to him, including the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Cardinals. They are also bringing in Kim to add to an offense that was one of baseball's best last season, and returning 8 of 9 starters in the lineup from last year. Bottom line, the Padres are getting pretty good pretty fast.
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