Former Padres star Ha-Seong Kim signs with most unexpected team possible

More bad news, although expected, has come the San Diego Padres way. Ha-seong Kim, the fan favorite shortstop who spent his first four years of his MLB career with the Padres, has just signed a 2-year, $29 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Kim, who is coming off a season ending shoulder injury that required surgery in October, is not expected to be back by Opening Day, as reported in an article from CBS Sports Mike Axisa.

Kim will most likely slot in as the Rays starting shortstop once he is back and fully healthy, while the Padres will have to do some reshuffling in the infield in order. For San Diego, it looks like Xander Bogarts, Jake Cronenworth, or even Tyler Wade could be taking over Kim's vacated role for the foreseeable future.

Kim Ha-Seong departure adds another roster gap for Padres

In what has become a common phrase to describe the current state of the Padres, Kim’s finalized departure has left yet another gap in the roster. Already looking to add on to a weakened starting rotation and an outfield that is missing a starting left fielder, Kim's signing with the Rays leaves the Padres with a limited number of big league infielders.

Kim's signing with the Rays may come as a surprise' for many MLB fans, who have notoriously been quiet in recent offseasons. However, with Wander Franco's future in the league in jeopardy, and the somewhat decent, but still lacking season produced by Rays replacement option Jose Caballero, Kim could be just the rebound Tampa Bay needs.

The 2023 season highlighted what a fully healthy Kim could produce on the baseball field, putting up career numbers in homeruns (17), stolen bases (38), games played (152), and pretty much all other offensive and defensive stat categories. Not to mention he brought home the Gold Glove award for utility players. An injury riddled end to the 2024 season saw Kim and the Padres reach the final year of his original contract, where he then turned down his $8 million option and became a free agent. 

In the wake of Kim's injury late into the season, Boagerts moved back to short, the position he came into the league playing with the Red Sox. Shaky defense however has made Padres fans question if he would be the correct replacement option in the future. Add in the fact his defensive stats at second were much better, and the Padres defense seems much more comfortable with Bogaerts on the right side. Cronenworth could also take reps at short, although his status as a potential trade piece could have the Padres looking elsewhere.

Other options for the Padres include Wade, Eguy Rosario, or even Manny Machado back at short if times are truly desperate, although most would prefer he stay at third. With options dwindling by the day, there is no question that the Padres will be looking for more infield help outside of the club.