KBO League star infielder Ha-Seong Kim is expected to sign with the Padres, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Exact terms of the deal have not yet been specified, but Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported the deal is for at least four years.
Buster Olney of ESPN, reported Monday morning that the Padres were focusing on Kim after they agreed to terms on a trade for Rays ace Blake Snell. The Mets were reportedly among the six teams interested in the 25-year old shortstop.
In 2020, the shortstop/third baseman hit .306/.397/.523 with 30 home runs, 109 RBI and 23 stolen bases. For his career, he has a .294/.373/.493 slash line with 133 home runs, 575 RBI and 134 stolen bases.
Kim was posted by his former team, the Kiwoom Heroes and was available to be signed until Jan. 1. The Blue Jays were also reported to be one of the finalists for Kim’s services.
If the Mets are still looking to acquire an infielder, they will have to pivot to other options such as Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu or Francisco Lindor, who have each been linked to the team this offseason.
