Padres sign KBO’s Sung-Mun Song to bolster offense and infield depth
Song Sung-mun of the Kiwoom Heroes watches his solo home run against the KT Wiz during the clubs' Korea Baseball Organization regular-season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Kiwoom Heroes
The Padres inked KOB infielder Sung-mun Song to bolster the offense and infield depth. What type of player are the Padres getting?
On Friday morning, reports came out of the Padres signing Korean infielder Sung Mun Song. MLB insider Francys Romero reported that Sung-mun Song signed a three-year deal worth $13 million.
Song Sung-mun is in an agreement with the San Diego Padres for around $13 million over three seasons, pending physical, per sources.
One scout rates his talent between Ha-Seong Kim and Hye-Seong Kim, closer to Ha-Seong Kim but with less power and defensive skills.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) December 19, 2025
Song played in Korea’s KBO league for parts of nine seasons. He has vast experience playing first base, second base, and third base.
The 29-year-old was an All-Star third baseman for the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes. He broke out over the last two seasons, with a .327 average, 45 homers, 194 RBI, and a .922 OPS in those two years. He was posted by the Heroes on November 22.
He played third base recently, but obviously, signing with the Padres, that position is currently filled by one of the best third-baggers in MLB (Manny Machado).
His calling card is contact skills and defensive versatility. The easy comparison is a left-handed Ha-Seong Kim, formerly of the Padres.
Let’s compare the last two seasons in the KBO for both players.
| AVG | HR | OPS | |
| Song | .327 | 45 | .922 |
| Kim | .307 | 49 | .900 |
The final two seasons in the KBO for both players are very similar. Song displays impressive power, with a slightly larger frame than Kim.
Where Kim might have the edge is in defensive prowess. However, Song comes from the left side with a bit more offensive upside.
Less than 24 hours after securing a top arm on the market, AJ Preller and the Padres snag Sung-mun Song from the KBO
Song was a top bat in the KBO the last 2 seasons, popping 45 HR and swiping 46 bags
If the talent translates, SD just added another 20/20 bat to their lineup pic.twitter.com/KG4IHTSy9P
— Baseball Unstitched Podcast (@BaseUnstitched) December 19, 2025
An underrated part of Song’s game is his speed and baserunning, stealing 46 bases over the last two seasons.
Where he fits in the lineup with Jake Cronenworth is yet to be seen. Cronenworth also profiles as a left-handed infielder. Song likely plays either second base or first base in the lineup. He may spare Machado at third on an off day or two.
Song is a legitimate 20 HR/20 SB threat that can play three infield positions. There is always room for players like that on a roster, especially one that is trying to get to the postseason for a third straight year.
Native of Escondido, CA. Lived in San Diego area for 20 years. Padres fan since childhood (mid-90s). I have been writing since 2014. I currently live near Seattle, WA and am married to a Seattle sports girl. I wore #19 on my high school baseball team for Tony Gwynn. I am a stats and sports history nerd. I attended BYU on the Idaho campus. I also love Star Wars.