1 key reason why the SF Giants odds of signing slick-fielding shortstop increased

Free agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim has some pretty strong ties to the SF Giants organization. However, the San Diego Padres did not issue him a qualifying offer, likely increasing the odds that he joins San Francisco.

1 key reason why the SF Giants odds of signing slick-fielding shortstop increased

Kim's ties to the Giants are pretty notable. Much of the Giants coaching staff led by Bob Melvin worked with the infielder for two seasons while they were in San Diego. Plus, Melvin was hired due in part to his reputation for managing players from the Pacific Rim.

On a more personal level, Kim was teammates with Giants center fielder Jung Hoo Lee for two seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO. Kim came stateside to join the Padres before the 2021 season, whereas Lee signed a long-term deal with the Giants last offseason.

Geography could be another factor as well. Players from the Pacific Rim tend to prefer playing on the West Coast due to the proximity to their home.

Those are just some of the reasons why Kim will be strongly tied to the Giants this winter. However, the Giants also have a need at shortstop, especially someone who is an above-average defender.

Tyler Fitzgerald saw the bulk of the playing time at shortstop in the second half of last season. However, there is a good chance that the Giants move him off of that position as he graded out as a below-average glove.

On the other hand, Kim has graded out as an excellent defensive infielder during his career. He has been worth +24 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), +11 Outs Above Average (OAA), and +8 Fielding Run Value (FRV) at shortstop since the start of 2021.

Shortstop is one of those positions where defense cannot be overlooked and he offers more upside on defense than just about every other option. Of course, he underwent shoulder surgery in October, so it is difficult to know how he will look when he returns.

In terms of a need, adding Kim would address the Giants' defense at shortstop. However, a player's fit is more than just what they offer on the field. The team has to weigh all factors when making a decision.

The Padres had a chance to issue Kim a qualifying offer but passed on that option. This will not only make him more appealing to the Giants but it should increase his market size as well. The lack of a qualifying offer is a pretty important detail.

The Giants crossed the $237 million Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) in 2024 with an estimated payroll of $250.8 million according to Cot's. It should be noted that the CBT numbers for 2024 will be finalized in December but Cot's leaves little doubt that the Giants will non-repeat offenders.

The Giants signed two players who rejected a qualifying offer last winter in Matt Chapman and Blake Snell. As a result, they lost their second-and-third-round picks as well as $1 million in international bonus pool money.

Given that they crossed the CBT threshold, if they sign a player who rejects a qualifying offer, the penalty will be stiffer this time around. They would lose their second-and-fifth-round picks as well as $1 million in international bonus pool money.

Building a roster through free agency is tough and generally a product of not being able to get more out of your farm system. The qualifying offer system has a major downstream effect on a team like the Giants that they need to consider. It is likely buying something with a credit card. Sooner or later, that statement comes due. Can the Giants afford to forfeit four high draft picks and significant spending capital in a span of two years? That is a steep price for an organization that still does not have a strong farm system.

There is a good chance that the Giants will be limited to signing just one player who rejects a qualifying offer if they do at all. On paper, Willy Adames has higher offensive upside compared to Kim, but the former will almost certainly reject a qualifying offer from the Milwaukee Brewers. That among other reasons makes it less likely that the Giants will seriously pursue the power-hitting bat.

They will be in the mix. However, at the end of the day, Kim might just be a better fit due in part to his strong defense but the lack of a qualifying offer is part of the equation as well.