SF Giants division rivals to be without key middle infielder for remainder of year

The San Diego Padres will be without one of their key players as Ha-Seong Kim is set to undergo surgery to repair a small tear in his right shoulder. There is a possibility that Kim has played his final game in San Diego as the likely SF Giants target is expected to become a free agent this winter.

SF Giants division rivals to be without key middle infielder for remainder of year

There are a few steps that need to take place before Kim even reaches free agency. First and foremost, he and the San Diego Padres have an $8 million mutual option for 2025 with a $2 million buyout. That would be a bargain deal for the Padres, but the veteran infielder will likely decline his side in favor of free agency.

In a normal year, Kim might be a candidate to receive a $21.2 million qualifying offer but the labrum surgery might change that outlook. There has been no timetable set for his recovery, but given that the expectation is that he will enter free agency this winter, it does not sound like the 10 - 12 month recovery timeline that can often be the case with labrum surgery.

In the batter's box, Kim has generally been a solid offensive producer. He is not a high-impact bat, but similar to Matt Chapman, he is a positive contributor in terms of defense, offense, and baserunning. It was a mildly down year for the right-handed bat as he slashed .233/.330/.370 (101 wRC+) with 11 home runs, 47 RBI, and 60 runs in 470 plate appearances before landing on the injured list.

Once he does reach free agency, the Giants will likely emerge as a potential target. They are in need of a middle infielder and Kim has been an excellent defensive infielder whether he is at second base, shortstop, or third base. Of course, the Giants will not be focusing on the hot corner as Chapman is signed through the next six seasons.

Kim is close with Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. They were teammates with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO for two seasons before Kim came stateside to join the Padres. Lee came stateside a few seasons later to sign a long-term deal with San Francisco.

The final connection is manager Bob Melvin. Melvin managed Kim during his two seasons at the helm with San Diego.

Players do not normally sign with a team because of prior connections but they often open the door for contract talks. Having Melvin and Lee in the organization could be what opens the door for negotiations between the Giants and Kim. Of course, the Giants also have a need to fill as well.