Ha-Seong Kim switching agents all but confirms writing on the wall for Padres' future

Well, it was fun while it lasted. The San Diego Padres fanbase is gearing up for an NLDS clash with the hated Los Angeles Dodgers, but there is a bit of bad news coming out of America's Finest City.

Ha-Seong Kim has reportedly switched agents and will now be represented by — wait for it — Scott Boras. That's right, the Major League Baseball super-agent will now be representing the Padres' starting shortstop as he heads into what's sure to be an interesting offseason.

Kim has an $8 million mutual option with a $2 million buyout. It was looking rather likely that Kim would hit the open market this offseason, and now it's a virtual guarantee that the slick-fielding infielder will opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent.

MLB super-agent Scott Boras is now representing Padres SS Ha-Seong Kim

Padres fans have likely seen the last of Kim in a Padres uniform. For anyone who's unaware, Boras almost always takes his clients to the open market rather than agreeing to contract extensions. There are some exceptions, including Jose Altuve's five-year deal with the Houston Astros this past offseason, but those are rare.

Kim has been ruled out for the remainder of the Padres' postseason run. The shortstop suffered a shoulder injury during mid-August, and despite his best efforts to return to the diamond, it was decided that Kim would need to undergo surgery to repair a tear in his labrum.

This elicited some hope among the Friar faithful that Kim may be inclined to exercise his mutual-option for 2025 and hit the free agent market having shown that he's fully healthy. But that's not how Boras does business. The San Francisco Giants signed Michael Conforto to a two-year, $36 million deal after he sat out the entire 2022 season due to injury. Surely, Boras will be able to convince some teams that Kim has value despite finishing the 2024 season on the IL.

This complicates the Padres' impending offseason moves. While Xander Bogaerts has filled in admirably in Kim's absence, it's unclear if the Padres believe he's the long-term fit at shortstop moving forward. Though AJ Preller and the Padres' front office won't slam the door on re-signing Kim this offseason, the chances of a return are slim to none.

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