Padres Rumors: Ha-Seong Kim drawing early interest from NL West rival

Ha-Seong Kim became a free agent after declining his mutual option. The San Diego Padres' infielder, despite recovering from surgery, is expected to be heavily pursued. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting that Kim has already generated “lots of interest” in free agency, and one of those teams happens to be one of the Padres' fiercest rivals.

The San Francisco Giants are in the market for a shortstop, and appear to be kicking the tires on a free agent deal with Kim. Feinsand also mentions the Milwaukee Brewers as a potential suitor for the infielder, but San Fran is apparently ramping up their efforts to secure Kim's services.

Padres Rumors: SF Giants expressing early interest in SS Ha-Seong Kim

San Francisco's desire to upgrade the shortstop position is only one connection between Kim and the Giants. As Feinsand correctly points out, former Padres' skipper Bob Melvin is now the Giants' manager and fellow countryman Jung Hoo Lee played alongside Kim during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Those two factors could help to sway Kim's decision making.

The Padres haven't yet divulged how they plan to fill the void left by Kim's impending departure. While Padres President of Baseball Operations AJ Preller hasn't slammed the door on a potential reunion, it still seems unlikely given the team's needs elsewhere.

It's curious, however, that Kim is drawing such interest this early in the offseason after having just undergone shoulder surgery. Reports are that Kim won't even be able to return to the field until midway through the 2025 season, which is a massive concern because it's his throwing arm.

Padres fans will remember that Kim attempted to make a return to the team during the final few weeks of the season. Though he could hit, the slick-fielding Kim was unable to throw the ball across the diamond, and the Padres eventually shut him down for the remainder of the 2024 campaign.

Shortstop is always a coveted position, and it's not often that one as defensively sound (and versatile) as Kim hits the open market. The Giants are rumored to be the leader in the clubhouse at the moment, and the Friar faithful could have a tough time swallowing that potential free agent loss.

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