With free agency possibly looming for Ha-Seong Kim after the 2024 season, it appears his days as a Padre are numbered. The San Diego Padres would love to retain the infielder, but the reality is that it will be complicated with the financial restraints moving forward.

Ha-Seong Kim! Ha-Seong Kim! Ha-Seong Kim!

The echoes of this chant reverberate throughout Petco Park each time the Korean infielder comes to bat for the Padres. He is a fan favorite.

It wasn’t always that way for Kim in San Diego, though, but it is safe to say the fans adore him now.

In 2021, during Kim’s rookie year, fastball velocity at the major league level was a serious issue for him.

The right-handed hitter struggled with heaters and struck out at a 23.8 percent clip in 117 games and 298 plate appearances. During that season, Kim posted a .622 OPS and barely hit above the Mendoza Line (.202 batting average). It looked as though A.J. Preller and the Padres made a mistake when they inked the Korean infielder to a 4-year/$28 million deal before the season.

His sophomore year came with a lot of anticipation, as Kim would earn an opportunity to play every day for the Padres.

The infielder played 150 games that season and put up a respectable .708 OPS, which improved dramatically as the season went forth. Ha-Seong Kim hit well over .300 in July and August, putting up an OPS near the .800 mark during those two months. He consistently battled in the batter’s box and showed improved plate discipline. Fans were starting to get energized about his potential.

The 2023 season emphasized Kim’s refined abilities with the bat, as he recorded a .749 OPS for the year and put up an impressive 5.8 WAR. Several teams reportedly coveted the infielder via trade, but the Padres stayed with Kim because his presence in the clubhouse was necessary. Manny Machado adores Ha-Seong Kim, and the rest of the Padres roster respects his abilities on the field. He is a leader in the clubhouse.

Ha-Seong Kim’s true value comes on the field.

His glove is golden, and in 2023, the Korean was recognized and awarded an MLB Gold Glove for his play around the diamond. He played second, third, and shortstop during the season and consistently made highlight-reel plays for the Padres. Kim is a rock in the infield and makes difficult plays look easy. In this day and age of the game, defensive-minded players are a rarity.

There is a mutual option for the 2025 season in Kim’s contract. The $8 million option is viable considering the down year from the infielder, but you have to figure he will get more on the open market and surely get a multiple-year deal from a team looking to shore up their defense on the infield.

The Padres could bring back Kum at $8 million for the 2025 season, which would be a raise for him. But it is unclear if he wants to come back at that price or if the team is willing to give him that raise.

The two sides could explore a multiple-year deal at or around the $7-8 million mark that Kim has been earning in his tenure at the major league level. However, a $20-30 million deal would be hard to pallet with what the Padres have committed to a few rostered players for the next decade. It’s not out of the question, but you have to believe the Padres’ greater need is to continue to address pitching concerns as they surely arise each year. They’ve committed enough money to position players.

The future is cloudy for Kim in a Padres uniform. That is for sure.

The infielder is currently battling a shoulder injury, which forced Xander Bogaerts back to his natural position at shortstop. The loss of Kim gives the Padres an opportunity to move Jake Cronenworth to second base and rotate the DH position between several veterans. It also gives the Padres more offensive prowess as David Peralta and Donovan Solano each will play more often.

Ha-Seong Kim has not played since August 18, and the Padres are 15-10 since. The loss of his defense is noticeable, but the team possesses a deeper offensive lineup. Scoring runs do not seem to be an issue for the Padres.

In 2024, Kim owns a .700 OPS in 121 games and 470 plate appearances. It is clear that he will never be an offensive force at the major league level. That doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of getting better. But for the Padres, is it worth the gamble? Kim is 28 years old and likely has a long MLB career in front of him. His defense will make that happen.

Will the Padres be able to retain him long-term at a price that is feasible for both sides? That remains to be seen.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.