Dodgers Could Sign Former Padres Star in Free Agency
Negotions with free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández have stalled with the Los Angeles Dodgers which has forced president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes to look for backup plans.
One of those plans involves former San Diego Padres Gold Glove infielder Ha-Seong Kim.
In a recent report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Kim “would be perhaps the most intriguing addition.”
With the Dodgers set to move Mookie Betts back to shortstop, their outfield needs have become more pressing than their infield needs. However, Kim is a strong defensive player who could secure a spot in the middle infield once he recovers from labrum surgery on his right shoulder.
Kim won his Gold Glove in 2023 as a utilty man who primarly played second base. The Padres moved him to shortstop during spring training in 2024 and teams have been looking at signing him to play either position.
The Dodgers have options if they were to sign Kim. Betts could begin the year at short and move to the outfield once Kim is healthy. That would moved Tommy Edman to centerfield and Gavin Lux would remain at second base. However, Edman could also see time in the infield at either middle infield position.
Kim had a down year offensively in 2024, finishing with a .233 batting average, 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a .700 OPS. However, his standout season came in 2023, when he posted a .260 average, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 38 stolen bases, and a .749 OPS. That year, he earned down-ballot MVP votes.
Kim would provide valuable infield flexibility for the Dodgers. While Betts is set to play shortstop, Kim could step in if Betts struggles early in the season, once he recovers from injury. Kim is also a strong option at second base, where he won a Gold Glove in 2023. After a down year and injury in 2024, Kim may have to settle for a one-year deal, making the Dodgers an ideal team to help him prove his value before re-entering free agency next offseason.
