Ha-Seong Kim's injury may have free agency implications favorable to Padres

Ha-Seong Kim is still on the injured list, and the latest reporting suggests it could be a bit longer before the San Diego Padres shortstop returns to the starting lineup. In his absence, Padres manager Mike Shildt has turned to Xander Bogaerts at shortstop.

Kim isn't necessarily having a down year, but his numbers in 2024 have certainly dropped off from his previous two seasons in San Diego. Kim is hitting just .233/.339/.370, but the slick-fielding shortstop is still drawing a walk over 12% of his plate appearances and has kept the strikeouts to a minimum.

Kim has one year left on his current deal, but there's a catch. The 28-year-old has an opt out in his contract, meaning that Kim could enter the free agent market this offseason rather than return to the Padres. However, this latest injury could be blessing in disguise for the San Diego brass and may force Kim to remain with the Padres through the end of his current deal.

Ha-Seong Kim's injury may have free agency implications favorable to Padres

Typically, major league players like to be playing their best baseball during their walk year. Given Kim has been on the shelf for the past couple of weeks and hasn't matched his output from last season, it's questionable as to whether or not he'll actually opt out of his current deal.

Kim signed a four-year, $28 million deal with the Friars after spending several years in the KBO. He's taking home $7 million this season, and the mutual option for next season is worth $7 million. Obviously the Padres would pick up their end of the option, meaning that the choice will be up to Kim. Does he want to bet on himself and attempt to secure a bigger payday following the 2025 season, or will he enter free agency and let the bidding begin?

In terms of shortstops, Kim is probably No. 2 on the list of impending free agents behind Milwaukee Brewers' Willy Adames. The following offseason, both Bo Bichette and and Tommy Edman will be free agents.

The Padres would obviously love Kim to remain in San Diego next season, and do so by exercising the $7 million mutual option. If Kim fails to return this season and prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he's fully healthy, there's a chance he could return for at least one more season with the Padres.

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