Padres can win twice by signing KBO slugger for 2026 season

Unfortunately for San Diego Padres fans, we are already moved on to the offseason. While some clubs are enjoying October baseball, AJ Preller and his front office staff are gearing up for what should be a successful 2026 campaign.

There are a few key spots on the Padres' roster that needs tending to, and one international player could help mend those problems in a few areas. Versatile superstar Baek-Ho Kang of the KBO league appears to be destined for Major League Baseball next year, and the Padres must be part of his pursuits.

Padres could benefit in several areas if they sign Baek-Ho Kang of the KBO League

Kang just wrapped up his age-25 season with the KT Wiz, a team he has played his entire professional career with (since 2018). This past year, he batted .265 with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs, but his talent goes much further than these okay numbers. Kang is a career .303 hitter across eight seasons, alongside 136 home runs and 204 doubles. He has strong offensive numbers for his career, but his 2025 season might be enough to mask his talents and turn away a few MLB teams.

Still just entering his prime, Kang has the ability to play first base, catcher, and corner outfield. With Luis Arraez's future in San Diego still murky, Kang would be a perfect fill-in at first base. San Diego also dealt with production problems at catcher, as well as in left field before Ryan O'Hearn and Ramon Laureano were traded for at the deadline.

Kang already provides plenty of upside here, but only if he is MLB ready. So what if he isn't? That's fine, too. The Padres could sign him to a minor league deal, where he would assuredly get playing time since Preller traded away half of the farm. If Kang signs with San Diego and goes the minor league route, the club can still sign a temporary first baseman while he develops and acclimates to the United States. Paul Goldschmidt, anyone? This would be a low-risk signing with high upside for the Padres, which would probably be the worst-case scenario.

The best-case situation if they get Kang? Well, San Diego has prior success of turning KBO players into everyday, reliable MLB contributors. Ha-Seong Kim won a Gold Glove in 2023 with the Padres, and produced a pair of seasons with an OPS+ over 100, and a 5.0 bWAR or higher. Before he played in San Diego, Kim played in the KBO for seven seasons. That move worked out well for the Friars, so maybe there's room for another success story here.

It's just a hunch, but Kang could be a solid addition to the Padres, and it doesn't feel unrealistic. The Padres always seem to be in the conversation when it comes to superstar international players looking to sign with an MLB team. Hopefully this time, the Friars come through and sign him.