Gold Glove Award Winner Ha-Seong Kim Predicted to Sign With AL Powerhouse

The New York Yankees have made several additions to their roster after failing to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto. There’s one more glaring hole to fill on their infield now that Gleyber Torres is headed to the Detroit Tigers. Could general manager Brian Cashman target free agent Ha-Seong Kim as one of his final major offseason acquisitions?

Kim spent the first four seasons of his MLB career with the San Diego Padres. He’s proven to be serviceable in the batter’s box, as he’s produced a .242/.326/.380 line across 1,976 plate appearances. However, he’s best known for his defense.

The 29-year-old has spent time at shortstop, second base and third base with the Padres and won a Gold Glove Award in 2023 as San Diego’s primary second baseman. Kim landing in the Bronx would give the Bombers options. He could take over for Torres at second base or man the hot corner.

Yardbarker’s Colin Cerniglia is predicting the Yankees will sign the Gold Glover and pair him with shortstop Anthony Volpe on the left side of the infield.

“The Yankees will shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and add Kim to anchor their infield at third, solving two problems at once,” Cerniglia wrote.

Kim is expected to earn a multi-year deal this winter. Spotrac has pegged his current market value at four years and $49 million. However, it’s worth noting that The Athletic’s Tim Britton adjusted his projection for the infielder significantly. Before the 2024 season, he valued his next contract at four years and $72 million. That changed to two years and $36 million once the offseason arrived.

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