"Giants need a shortstop" - MLB analyst urges Buster Posey target Ha-Seong Kim, strengthening infield with Matt Chapman at third base

One of the more underrated names this offseason is San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. The former Gold Glove winner originally signed a four-year deal ahead of the 2021 season with a mutual option for 2025. This means Kim can decline the option and seek greener pastures elsewhere if contacted by other clubs.

On MLB Network's "MLB Tonight," hosted by Robert Flores and former All-Star Yonder Alonso, the two discussed who San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey should sign this offseason. Alonso claimed that Ha-Seong Kim fits perfectly with the squad.

"Giants need a shortstop," Alonso said. "I really like what Kim brings to the table for a Giants team that depends solely on defense and baserunning."

"Especially Matt Chapman at third-base. Those two guys on that side of the infield is as good as any in all of baseball."

Flores then pivoted and suggested that Posey and the Giants should chase the signature of Atlanta Braves starter Max Fried. The MLB pundit stated that the organization needs to land the lefty pitcher after failing to re-sign two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell.

Fried posted an 11-10 record in 29 starts with a 3.25 ERA and 166 strikeouts across 174 and 1/3 innings in 2024, earning a place on the NL All-Star team.

Ha-Seong Kim's probable reunion with former KBO teammate

The prospect of Buster Posey and the Giants choosing to sign Ha-Seong Kim isn't far-fetched at all. The team lacks a solid shortstop, and Kim's flexibility to play three infield positions would be a solid addition to a team that heavily relies on defense.

If the move comes to fruition, Kim would also be reunited with a familiar face in Jung-hoo Lee. The duo played in the Korean top-flight division, also known as the KBO League, as part of the Kiwoom Heroes. Kim and Lee were teammates for four seasons before the former decided to make the jump to MLB.

In their four seasons in the KBO League together, the duo led the squad to three postseason appearances, including appearances in the playoff (equivalent to the Championship Series) and the Korean Series (equivalent to the World Series).