Ha-Seong Kim Hot Stove: MLB insider predicts 2 potential landing spots for Gold Glove winner

Ha-Seong Kim might be one of the most interesting names remaining on the open market. Even though the veteran infielder is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign by his standards, he is still an effective contributor all over the field. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, there is a sense that Kim will not be ready by Opening Day.

Kim underwent late-season shoulder surgery last year, which kept him on the sidelines during the San Diego Padres postseason run. While he is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, Kim could make an immediate impact for whichever team signs him once he is ready to return to action.

Morosi acknowledged that Kim could be an intriguing target for clubs that either need additional infield support or help in the first half of the year.

"At some point in the first half he is expected to be game-ready," Morosi said on Wednesday, via 'MLB Hot Stove.' "In that sense, he's the ideal fit for a team that has an infield need at some point in time in the first half but maybe already has someone that they're trusting to play, whether it's shortstop or second base to open the season."

Thanks to Kim's defensive versatility, he could easily fit in nearly every team in MLB. Over the past few seasons with the Padres, he has spent time at shortstop, second base and third base, which could increase the number of his potential suitors this offseason. Morosi believes that two specific clubs could be the ideal spots for Kim to sign with.

"I want to mention a couple of teams here, the Mariners and the Giants," Morosi said. "We saw the Giants make the move with Adames at shortstop but what about second base? They've got Fitzgerald there to play second at the moment but potentially Kim could support him there."

The San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners are intriguing spots for Kim since they already have their infield positions covered while he is away but he would be an upgrade upon his return.

"The Mariners made the move with (Donovan) Solano earlier this week but perhaps there could be an opening there to add some more quality at-bats for Ha-seong Kim into the second half of the season," Morosi added.

Ha-Seong Kim has been a solid contributor on both sides of the game throughout his career

It will be interesting to see where Ha-Seong Kim signs this offseason given his excellent track record throughout his MLB career. A Gold Glove Award winner on defense, Kim has also been a solid contributor in home runs, RBIs and stolen bases.

While he is not a perfect batter, he could make an impact on the teams that Morosi mentioned, especially the Seattle Mariners who have been looking to improve their infield all offseason. They finished in the bottom half of nearly every team offensive category last season and bringing in a guy like Kim could help right the ship.