The Detroit Tigers are interested in signing free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) as they look to add a right-handed bat this offseason. Kim hits from the right side and has the ability to play shortstop, third base or second base, although he's also recovering from surgery on his right shoulder to fix a torn labrum. Because of the surgery, the 29-year-old Korean infielder won't be ready for the start of the 2025 season, although he should make his season debut in the first half. Kim could opt to settle for a one-year deal this offseason and then look to reset his market and re-enter free agency at age 30. In his last three seasons with the San Diego Padres, Kim hit .250 with a .336 on-base percentage, 11% walk rate and 17.9% strikeout rate. Kim's best asset is his speed, but his middling power and injury will drive hi price down in fantasy drafts this upcoming spring.
Ha-Seong Kim Drawing Plenty Of Buzz At GM Meetings
Free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is generating "lots of interest" in the early days of free agency, according to a source. The San Francisco Giants are reportedly one of the teams focused on signing Kim, while the Milwaukee Brewers have also been connected to the 29-year-old, who finished the year on the injured list with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Tyler Fitzgerald was impressive for the Giants at shortstop in 2024, but new president of baseball operations Buster Posey said this week that the team prefers to add a shortstop this winter. Skipper Bob Melvin managed Kim in San Diego, and Kim played with outfielder Jung Hoo Lee for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic. Kim won a Gold Glove in 2023 but came back down to Earth in 2024 while posting 11 homers, 47 RBI, 22 steals and a .700 OPS in 121 games.
According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim has declined his mutual option with the team and will enter free agency. The infielder ended his campaign early after suffering a shoulder injury in August, which caused him to undergo surgery in October. Through 121 games this season, the 29-year-old held a .233/.330/.370 line with 11 home runs, 47 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. He showed a great eye at the plate with a 12.3% walk rate, which is one of the best marks in the sport among qualified hitters. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during the offseason as he will likely miss time during the start of the 2025 campaign due to the shoulder surgery. Fantasy managers should view him as a safe option for speed with excellent on-base skills.
San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) underwent shoulder surgery on Thursday, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Kim has been sidelined since Aug. 20 with shoulder inflammation. He attempted to return in time for October but was ultimately shut down late into September after facing several setbacks. Through 121 games this summer, the 28-year-old posted a .233/.330/.370 slash line with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He held a stellar 12.3% walk rate and 16.4% strikeout rate, which gave him a significant boost in points leagues. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression over the winter, but he should be ready to return in time for spring training. Kim remains a solid low-end shortstop in rotisserie leagues given his ability to steal bases and hit for decent power.
Ha-Seong Kim Still Feeling Discomfort While Throwing
San Diego Padres infielder (shoulder) has begun a throwing program but has continued to feel discomfort in his ailing shoulder, according to MLB.com. Kim has still been able to make "light" throws but has still faced a few setbacks when attempting to throw harder. It is still unknown if Kim could return to San Diego before the conclusion of the regular season. Kim hit the injured list in late August with shoulder inflammation. Before the injury, the 28-year-old carried a stellar 12.3% walk rate with a .233/.330/.307 line. He hit 1 1 round-trippers and swiped 22 bags. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Kim on their bench in case Kim can return during the final week of the regular season. However, the team may opt to keep Kim sidelined until the playoffs.
San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) has begun to play light catch and is set to begin to ramp up his throwing program over the next few days, according to the Associated Press. The infielder has been sidelined since mid-August with shoulder inflammation. While he has yet to take any significant steps forward in his rehab process, it is a promising sign to see him begin to ramp up his intensity. Kim has not been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season and could still return to action before October. Throughout the summer, Kim has held a .233/.330/.370 line with 11 long balls and 22 stolen bases. Kim boasts a stellar 12.3% walk rate and a 16.4% K rate, which gives him an added boost in points leagues. For now, fantasy managers should expect Xander Bogaerts to see time at shortstop when not covering the keystone. In addition, Tyler Wade and Mason McCoy should also see time in the starting nine.
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said on Sunday that shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is "not as close as we'd like" to making his return from right-shoulder inflammation. The news could prompt the club to move Xander Bogaerts, who made the move from shortstop to second base this year, back to his former position. Kim hurt his shoulder three weeks ago diving back into first base, and the team was initially optimistic he'd return after the minimum 10-day stint on the injured list. But as Kim has attempted to ramp up his throwing, he has continued to feel discomfort. He took ground balls at short and attempted to ramp up his throws across the diamond on Saturday, but he's yet to be able to do so at 100% effort. At this point, the Padres are probably just hoping the 28-year-old will be available to them if they secure a spot in the playoffs.
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said on 97.3 The Fan that shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is expected to rejoin the team during their series in St. Louis against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium this week. Kim will most likely resume baseball activities during the team's road trip, although it's unclear if he'll come off the 10-day injured list on the first day he's eligible on Thursday. The Padres never considered the 28-year-old infielder's shoulder injury to be all that serious, so his placement on the IL was more a precaution than anything. It would be a bit of a surprise if he's not back in the starting lineup by this weekend's series in Tampa against the Rays at Tropicana Field. In the meantime, rookie Mason McCoy should continue to see most of the action at the 6 for the Friars while batting ninth. The 29-year-old has held his own with five hits in his 17 at-bats over six games since Kim's injury.
San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Aug. 19. There is some good news, though, as Padres manager Mike Shildt said Kim isn't likely to require much longer than a minimum stay on the injured list. Kim injured his right shoulder while diving back to first base during Sunday's game. The team had Kim undergo an MRI, which didn't reveal any significant damage to his shoulder. Despite that, the Padres are going to play it safe and give Kim some time off. In a corresponding move, Matthew Batten has been recalled from Triple-A El Paso. The 29-year-old is likely to platoon with Tyler Wade at shortstop until Kim returns. Fantasy managers looking for reinforcements should look elsewhere, as neither player offers much upside with the bat.
San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) remains absent from the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Twins. This is a bit concerning after Kim was removed from Sunday's game after suffering a right shoulder injury while diving back into first base. The organization said on Monday that they're still evaluating Kim's MRI results. He hasn't been placed on the injured list yet, but fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if it happens. Tyler Wade should continue seeing increased playing time at shortstop until Kim is ready to return. This season, Wade is slashing .235/.311/.252 with eight RBI in 73 games. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help as Wade isn't offering much right now.
