Ha-Seong Kim Landing Spots: 3 potential destinations for former Gold Glove winner

For the first time since breaking into MLB four years ago, Ha-Seong Kim is a free agency. On the heels of the expiration of his four-year, $28 million deal with the Padres, the Korean is now free to explore offers from any team that is interested.

After hitting 260/.351/.398 with a career-high 17 homers in 2023, injuries limited Kim to 121 games in 2024, wherein he hit .233 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. An athletic middle infielder who knows how to hit, today we will be examining the top three most likely landing spots for Ha-Seong Kim.

Top three destinations for Ha-Seong Kim

3. Detroit Tigers

If the 2024 season taught Detroit Tigers fans anything, it's that they can contend on a budget. After their NLDS elimination, Detroit will look to beef themselves up around the diamond - including shortstop.

"Ha-Seong Kim has entered the chat!!!" - San Diego Padres

Injuries limited Javier Baez to just 80 games last season, in which he hit just .184. The $140 million locked up for Baez until 2027 means that slotting him out is not likely. However, by acquiring a player like Ha-Seong Kim, Detroit can give themselves options in the infield, and create a replacement should Baez remain such a low-impact part of their roster.

St. Louis Cardinals

Tommy Edman's trade to the Dodgers was a boon for the World Series winners. However, it left his old team - the St. Louis Cardinals - with work to do.

Though many have identified breakout shortstop Masyn Winn as the Cards' future everyday shortstop, the 22-year-old is very inexperienced. Coupled with Brendan Donovan and Jose Fermin, it becomes clear that the infield in St. Louis is still green. As a player who has over 500 infield starts under his belt, Ha-Seong Kim could provide a solid foundation as St. Louis waits for their next generation to mature.

1. San Francisco Giants

Despite considerable offseason investments, the San Francisco Giants missed the postseason for the fourth season in the past five. According to MLB.com, San Francisco is "very interested" in Kim, 29.

"The Giants and Blue Jays have shown early interest in Ha-Seong Kim, per @Feinsand and @bnicholsonsmith" - B/R Walkoff

Although the six-year, $151 million extension given to Matt Chapman ties up considerable cash, the Giants know that they need a better infield. Youngster Tyler Fitzgerald finished the season at shortstop in San Fran, but is likely more capable at second base. A versatile player who can certainly help this ailing club significantly, watch out for Giants top executive Buster Posey to target Ha-Seong Kim in the coming weeks and months.