Intriguing comp offers optimism to Padres fans hoping for Ha-Seong Kim return in 2025

The San Diego Padres have a busy offseason ahead of them. President of baseball operations A.J. Preller is tasked with the burden of having an endless stream of decisions that need to be made. Whether it's extending certain pitchers, signing on new players, or even letting some Padres enter the free agent market.

One wrinkle in the upcoming winter is figuring out what San Diego will do regarding Ha-Seong Kim. A fan favorite in San Diego, the versatile infielder declined the $8 million mutual option with the Padres, making him a free agent. The Gold Glover has since drawn plenty of interest from around the league, which saddens Padres fans. The Friar faithful want to hang on to Kim, and for those who do, one prior instance offers hope that Kim could be wearing a Padres jersey next season.

Rhys Hoskins signing with the Brewers provides intriuging comp for Padres fans hoping for Ha-Seong Kim return

Kim underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder, which will leave him off the active roster of any team he will play for to begin the 2025 campaign. One way that San Diego could keep Kim at Petco Park is if by following the same model that the Milwaukee Brewers created for Rhys Hoskins.

Hoskins, a consistent right-handed slugger, missed the entire 2023 season due to a tear in his left ACL. Similar to Kim, Hoskins elected for free agency and ultimately signed a deal with Milwaukee; the outline of which San Diego should explore.

Hoskins inked a two-year contract, but had a player opt-out after the first season. This could benefit both sides of the coin, especially Kim. The 29-year-old may receive less money from another team out of an abundance of caution that his shoulder that will have him shelved for a number of months.

This operation will likely lessen Kim's value to other teams, but this specific contract is a chance for Kim to bet on himself. If he plays well when he returns in 2025, he could sign to a lucrative contract with the Padres (or elsewhere). However, if Kim is slow to ramp up, then he at least has the cushion of one more year remaining in this type of contract.

This deal would place Kim in the driver's seat while San Diego could bring back a player who the fans absolutely love. It's a win-win situation that could ultimately make Kim even more money in the long run while helping a Padres team who's looking to contend for a World Series ring next year.

More San Diego Padres News and Rumors