Ha-Seong Kim is discovering curiosity in free company’s opening days. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com writes that the Giants have recognized him as an early goal. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet studies that the Blue Jays are additionally exhibiting curiosity as they consider infield potentialities.
Whereas that is the primary substantive tie between Kim and the Giants, that match had been speculated lengthy earlier than he hit free company. Giants skipper Bob Melvin managed the infielder for 2 seasons with the Padres. President of baseball operations Buster Posey has known as shortstop a goal space. Enhancing defensively looks like a selected precedence, as touchdown a shortstop might enable San Francisco to slip Tyler Fitzgerald to second base.
Willy Adames is the highest free agent shortstop. He might land a six- or seven-year contract. Kim gave the impression to be on observe for 4 or 5 years as not too long ago as just a few months in the past. A season-ending shoulder harm and postseason labrum surgical procedure make it likelier he’ll take a short-term deal. The Padres opted to not problem a qualifying supply, which Kim would virtually actually have declined if he have been wholesome. San Diego president of baseball ops A.J. Preller has floated a nebulous timeline for the 29-year-old’s return, suggesting he could possibly be out between Could and July. Kim’s agent Scott Boras has indicated he could possibly be obtainable earlier within the season, probably earlier than the top of April.
Kim’s worth is pushed largely by his glove. He has confirmed to be a plus defender all through the infield, no less than when he’s at full power. Whereas some groups could possibly be involved about his arm within the quick aftermath of a major shoulder process, Kim had proven a ample arm earlier than the surgical procedure to play on the left aspect of the infield. He’s a roughly league common hitter, compensating for middling energy with good contact abilities and robust stroll charges. Kim hit .233/.330/.370 with 11 homers and 22 stolen bases throughout his platform 12 months.
He’s additionally a plus defender at second base, the place the Jays would ostensibly goal him. Nicholson-Smith reported final evening that Toronto had additionally checked in on Gleyber Torres. Toronto has Bo Bichette returning at shortstop. Between second and third base, they’ve a handful of inside choices who’re gentle on MLB expertise (e.g. Will Wagner, Davis Schneider, Addison Barger, Orelvis Martinez, Ernie Clement). Toronto additionally used Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sporadically on the sizzling nook.
MLBTR predicted Kim for a one-year pillow contract valued round $12MM. His camp might attempt to safe a two-year assure that permits him to choose out after subsequent season, although it’s not clear if groups are prepared to take that danger coming off the harm. The Padres have expressed curiosity in bringing him again, whereas the Braves and Mariners are speculative potentialities to pursue center infield assist.
