KBO star Hye-Seong Kim was posted by Nexen Heroes in Dec., as multiple teams lined up to acquire the Korean star. Seattle Mariners are reported to be among the three teams who have offered Kim a deal worth $15 million over three years.
While this price is significantly lower than earlier rumors, a Mariners analyst warns that even this figure presents risks. Apart from the Mariners, teams rumored to be involved in his sweepstakes include the San Diego Padres, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Anaheim Angels, and the Cincinnati Reds.
During Wednesday's episode of the "Locked on Mariners" podcast, MLB analyst Colby Patnode warns that even this salary presents risk, though he believes that if the Mariners are able to land him, then they will have the best second base defense since "early Robinson Canó—probably better."
"It's a relief that, assuming the reports from today are correct, it’s going to top out somewhere in the three-year, $15 million range," Patnode said (3:20 onwards).
"I think that’s an appropriate number for Kim. It’s still a little bit of a risk, even at that number, because there’s a chance you just flush $15 million down the drain. But at $5 million a year, that’s much more manageable than $8 to $10 to $12 million—some of the early numbers we heard on Kim."
Colby Patnode isn't expecting much power from Mariners' latest interest Hye-Seong Kim
Adding to the conversation, Colby Patnode believes had Hye-Seong Kim have the required power, he'd be earning close to $15 million a year. He's concerned that his bats won't be impactful if he doesn't sort his walk rate.
"I’m still really concerned about the bat," Patnode added. "I haven’t talked to or read anyone who seems to think Kim is just going to come over and do what he does in Korea and be that type of player.
"There’s really no power to speak of, so it’s not like his hits are going to be super impactful—they’re going to be a lot of singles. He doesn’t walk a ton, which is a concern because typically you don’t do things better in MLB than you do in the KBO or any of the foreign leagues—MLB is just flat-out harder."
At three years and $15 million, the Mariners may feel the risk is worth it. However, as Kim’s decision looms closer, the question remains: Can the 25-year-old translate his KBO success into MLB performance? For the Mariners, the answer could define their offseason strategy.