Image Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Ha-Seong Kim signs a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays

Over 540 games in the league, Kim has hit 47 home runs, stolen 78 bases, and posted a .242 batting average.

Image Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Ha-Seong Kim has signed with the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the deal is for two years worth $29 million. The contract also includes an opt-out clause at the end of 2025. The South Korean player was previously with the San Diego Padres, where he began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career in 2021.

At 29 years old, Kim has established himself as a talented player since his debut in the league. His transition from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to MLB was smooth, and he quickly adapted. Kim contributed both defensively and offensively for the Padres. Over 540 games in the league, he has hit 47 home runs, stolen 78 bases, and posted a .242 batting average. Additionally, he has 238 double plays, 552 putouts, and only 31 errors.

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Best Performance in 2023

Kim had his best season in 2023. He finished 14th in the National League MVP voting and won the Gold Glove award as the best multi-position defensive player. That year, he set personal records for home runs (17), stolen bases (38), and OPS (74.9%).

Although the Padres had Xander Bogaerts on the roster, Kim won the competition for the starting shortstop position. As a result, Bogaerts was moved to second base, and the South Korean player took on the role of defending between second and third base. Despite the position change, Kim’s performance slightly declined, but he continued to contribute to the team. In 2024, he recorded 11 home runs, 22 stolen bases, and a 70% OPS over 121 games.

Rays, INF Ha-Seong Kim reportedly agree to two-year deal, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/TkC57etH5i
— MLB (@MLB) January 29, 2025

Injury and Free Agency

Ha-Seong Kim had a limited role during last season due to a right shoulder injury. He was hurt in August and was unable to return to the field. Kim underwent surgery to repair a small tear in his shoulder labrum. At the end of the season, he declined an $8 million renewal offer from the Padres and became a free agent. He is expected to remain sidelined in 2025 as he continues to recover from the surgery.