Ha-Seong Kim is headed to Tampa Bay.
The Korean infielder signed a two-year, $29 million cope with the Rays on Wednesday, The Put up’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
Kim may earn $2 million in plate look bonuses, which begin at 325 journeys to the field.
The contract contains an choose out after the 2025 season, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan,
Kim, 29, performed every of his first 4 seasons within the large leagues with the Padres after coming abroad on a four-year, $28 million deal earlier than the 2021 season.
He will probably be sidelined till Could after present process shoulder surgical procedure in October, however is “slated to take over at shortstop” for Tampa Bay upon his return, Passan wrote.
In 2024, Kim was restricted to only 121 video games with accidents, hitting .233/.330/.370 with 11 residence runs.
Kim has confirmed to be a priceless all-around participant with sturdy base operating and a very good glove throughout the infield, stealing 78 bases in 4 seasons and successful the 2023 Gold Glove on the utility spot.
He had the perfect yr of his profession that season, placing up 5.8 bWAR and ending 14th within the Nationwide League MVP voting for the Padres.
Kim will fill a gap at shortstop for the Rays left by Wander Franco, who was formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation towards a minor within the Dominican Republic in July.
Franco, who was as soon as thought-about among the best younger gamers in baseball, hasn’t performed since 2023.
The Rays went 80-82 in 2024, ending beneath .500 for the primary time since 2017.