SF Giants among group of nearly 20 teams to scout KBO superstar infielder

The SF Giants are doing their homework on a player who may not be available for a couple of years. According to Jiheon Pae of Sports Chunchu Basbeall, they were among the nearly 20 teams to recently scout superstar infielder Do Yeong Kim.

SF Giants among group of nearly 20 teams to scout KBO superstar infielder

Baseball might be hibernating for the winter in the United States but there is plenty of high-level competition being played this month. The 2024 WBSC Premier12 is a tournament among 12 of the highest-ranked teams around the world.

The games are taking place in Japan, Mexico, and Taiwin. The competition runs for about two weeks beginning on November 9, 2024.

The United States does have a team led by former Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia and some major league players are on the roster such as Anthony Gose and Dan Altavilla. It also features some of the game's top prospects like Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs and Justin Crawford of the Philadelphia Phillies.

However, it is Do Yeong Kim of Team Korea who is garnering the spotlight. Overall, he has four hits, including two home runs, and six RBI in 11 at-bats during the tournament. He recently appeared in a game against Team Cuba that was heavily scouted by major league teams.

The Giants and much of the rest of baseball were in attendance. The right-handed bat did not disappoint as he blasted two home runs with five RBI in an 8-4 win over Team Cuba.

Kim is coming off of an excellent 2024 campaign with the Kia Tigers of the KBO. He registered a .347/.420/.647 line with 38 home runs, 109 RBI, 143 runs, and 40 stolen bases in 625 plate appearances during his age-20 season. He did all this while facing off against much older competition.

The Giants have had recent success with the KBO after they landed Jung Hoo Lee on a six-year, $113 million pact. Plus, they are interested in signing veteran infielder Ha-Seong Kim this offseason.

These moves could pave the road to San Francisco becoming an appealing destination for Do Yeong Kim. It is a bit too soon to even be looking at that as he has not even been considered for the posting process yet. That said, the Giants are doing their due diligence along with the rest of baseball.