One of the best bats available at this stage of free agency, it wasn’t likely Ha-Seong Kim was going to return to San Diego thanks to payroll constrains. He does have a new home. Ha-Seong Kim reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Rays, filling a hole on their roster that’s been apparant for over a year.
A Look at Kim
The 2023 campaign was a strong one for Ha-Seong Kim, who spent the first four seasons of his MLB career with the Padres. That campaign, Kim hit .260/.351/.398 (.749 OPS) with a career-best 17 home runs and 40 extra-base hits.
However, his numbers in 2024 were down. Kim posted a .700 OPS, still fine but not near where he was in 2023. He also slid down the order with new manager Mike Shildt, as Luis Arraez took over as the Padres’ leadoff man.
Kim is a very interesting batter. He’s a pull-heavy contact hitter, one with a very good eye and the ability to get just slightly out in front on pitches. That eye serves him exceptionally well, as he’s posted above-average BB% over his career. Kim’s 12.3% BB% in 2024 was his career-best.
He doesn’t have plus bat speed but his swing is very short. However, Kim can square up baseballs and show some home run power. The 29-year-old smacked 29 home runs from 2023-24 and would benefit from the Trop, assuming it’s open in 2026.
Defensively, Kim was an above-average defender both at second base and short. He showcased plus range, with a +7 OAA at second in 2023, and a +4 OAA in 2024. The 29-year-old has impressive footspeed, an asset for any infielder. And, it was a huge plus for the Padres, as he took over from Xander Bogaerts as San Diego’s primary shortstop last season.
That speed does help on the basepaths, as well. Kim stole 60 bases between 2023-24.
The Rays likely won’t have Kim to begin 2025, as he returns from shoulder surgery. He’s expected to miss roughly the first month of the season.
Per reports, the Rays signed Ha-Seong Kim to a two-year deal worth $29MM. Kim will receive an opt-out after 2025.
Analysis
The Rays have money to spend, if history is any indication. Here’s a look at what the Rays’ tax payroll was before this move, compared to past seasons, per Spotrac:
- $72.9MM (2025 – before signing Kim)
- $106.6MM (2024)
- $131.8MM (2023)
Tampa made several moves over the past few months to cut payroll. Outfielder Randy Arozarena was offloaded in the summer, as were Aaron Civale and Zach Eflin. And earlier in the offseason, the Rays — a team with a rare surplus in pitching — traded lefty Jeffrey Springs to the A’s.
The Rays added Danny Jansen earlier in the offseason to address their hole behind the plate. Now, Kim, once he’s healthy, fills an even larger hole, one that Tampa hasn’t been able to fill since Wander Franco was suspended and entangled in legal problems in the Dominican Republic after a reported inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Tampa used Taylor Walls and Jose Caballero to try to fill their hole at short. The latter was more productive but didn’t hit too well in 2024. And, Caballero didn’t hit well in winter ball, either.
Kim fits the Rays mold: a good defensive player with speed, and with a penchant for getting on base.