Ha-Seong Kim is a professional baseball player who currently plays as a shortstop for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed a four-year deal with the Padres on December 30, 2020.
According to reports, the contract is worth $28 million, with a fifth-year club option that could push the total value to $39 million.
Kim's contract with the Padres is set to expire after the 2024 season. Kim signed with the San Diego Padres in the MLB for a four-year, $28 million deal, including a mutual option for the 2025 season. The fifth-year club option is worth $7 million, with a $2 million buyout and $4 million in incentives. If the Padres decide to exercise the option, Kim will earn $10 million in 2025.
Ha-Seong Kim is a talented shortstop who had an impressive career in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) before joining the Padres. He spent seven seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes, where he batted .294 with 133 home runs, 575 RBIs, and 134 stolen bases in 891 games. He was named an All-Star five times and won three Gold Gloves during his time in the KBO.
Ha-Seong Kim has been a reliable figure for the San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres signed Ha-Seong Kim with the intention of using him as a utility player, primarily as a backup to Fernando Tatis Jr., who is the team's starting shortstop.
With Tatis Jr.'s string of injuries in 2021 and then again in 2022, Kim has stepped up to the plate and performed admirably. Kim finished the 2022 MLB season with a .251 batting average, 11 home runs, 59 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and .708 OPS in 150 games played. He mostly played as a shortstop last season, filling in for Tatis Jr. He has also shown his versatility by playing in various positions, including third base, second base, and left field.
In short, while his contract expires after next season, Kim has already proven to be a valuable asset to the Padres, and his versatility and talent should make him an essential part of the team's future plans.