Free agency prediction bodes well for Padres Kim Ha-seong pursuit

The San Diego Padres have been one of the league's quietest teams during the off-season, something that its fans have never experienced under General Manager AJ Preller. As the team attempts to navigate multiple expiring contracts for players expecting large paydays, the Padres have been left in limbo and seem to be unsure about the future of a number of pieces. One of those players, shortstop Kim Ha-seong, has been connected to a number of teams in free agency including the Red Sox and Braves if the Padres were not to re-sign him.

A recent free agency prediction however has given Padres fans some hope in the Kim Ha-seong race, with The Athletic's Jim Bowden expecting the middle infielder to sign a short term deal and return to San Diego.

Re-signing Kim could solve middle infield conundrum

Kim, who is coming off a season ending shoulder injury that required surgery early in September, is looking for a bounce back year after putting up his worst numbers since his first season in the MLB. After losing out on another Korean free agent in Kim Hye-seong to the Dodgers, the Padres options to fill an infield gap have been greatly limited. With the free agent market dwindling by the day, re-signing Kim may be the only option San Diego has left.

A short-term deal for Kim may be exactly what the team needs, as the Padres are looking to shed payroll in the coming season with a number of last year's additions possibly headed out the door. With the contracts of Jurickson Profar and Tanner Scott both expiring, and with both expected to receive large paydays, San Diego may have some wiggle room to land Kim on a short-term deal for less money.

Bringing Kim back would also mean more security at second base for the Padres. Following Kim's injury in August and subsequent surgery, Xander Bogaerts was forced to move back to short for the end of the season and playoffs. Bogaerts' defense was shaky, and many Padres fans felt he was best suited for second, a position he would surely move back to if Kim re-signs.

With infield depth a major problem for San Diego and the prospect of losing one of their only first basemen in Luis Arraez to trade, names like Jake Cronenworth, Tyler Wade, Eguy Rosario, and recent minor league signing Mike Brosseau may need to step up Kim does not come back. Having to fall back on these players could be avoided with a Kim reunion, not to mention the Padres would be adding a Gold Glove caliber defensive master.