Ha-seong Kim
It has been reported that the Detroit Tigers, a KBO League-friendly team, are interested in free agent shortstop Kim Ha-seong.
The Detroit Free Press reported on the 10th (Korean time), “Kim, 30, declined the Atlanta Braves‘ $16 million player option and is expected to enter the free agent market in the 2025-26 offseason and sign a contract worth around $30 million over two years or $45 million over three years. This is the second year in a row that the Tigers have been interested in Kim.”
The media said, “The Tigers’ infield for the 2026 season consists of 1st baseman Spencer Torkelson, 2nd baseman Gleyber Torres, shortstop Javier Baez, and 3rd baseman Colt Keith. With Torres remaining with a one-year qualifying offer of $22.025 million, outside infield recruitment is limited, but there is still a need to reinforce shortstop.” The club’s front office has not fixed Baez as the regular shortstop. “We are considering using it as a utility,” he said.
In the 2025 season, Baez had a batting average of .257, 12 home runs, OPS of .680, and wRC+ of 86 in 126 games, which was lower than the league average. Baez has a remaining contract worth $24 million per year for the 2026-2027 season, so he needs to think about ways to utilize it.
The media said, “Kim Ha-seong recorded a batting average of .234, 5 home runs, and an OPS of .649 in 48 games in the 2025 season, but his defense was above average for a shortstop. He recovered his health, and in 540 games during the 2021-2024 Padres, he ranked among the top shortstops with a batting average of .242, 47 home runs, OPS .706, and fWAR 10.9. “Kim, a right-handed hitter, has the offensive characteristics the Tigers need, such as contact ability, first-pitch strategy, and low strikeout rate,” he said.
He continued, “If the Tigers sign a three-year contract with Kim, he will take on the starting role of shortstop in the short term in the 2026 season and can switch to second base when second baseman McGonigle appears in the second half of the year. As prospect Reiner is preparing for his major league debut in the 2029 season, Kim can provide shortstop and infield stability for many years.” He added, “Compared to Bregman, his ability is lower, but a 2-3 year contract with Kim is a good option for the Tigers. “It is more suitable for short-term and mid-term shortstop strategy,” he emphasized.
[강해영 마니아타임즈 기자/hae2023@maniareport.com]
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