The word around town is that the Giants are looking to bring Ha-Seong Kim onto their team roster due to his reputation for being versatile in infield positions in baseball circles. Kim recently made a shift into agency after his time with the Padres, where he impressed the fans with stats like hitting.260/.352/.398. Delivering 17 home runs while swiping 36 bases, his standout defensive abilities have also landed him the Gold Glove award for showcasing adeptness in playing both base and shortstop positions as well as handling duties at third base.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants are focused on improving their defense and ensuring consistency in their lineup with the help of President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey and general manager Bob Melvin. Posey has reportedly shown interest in signing the 29-year-old and is expected to give him a long-term deal. As per MLB, Buster Posey, the new president of the San Francisco Giants recently talked about the team wanting to add a new shortstop.

This would allow them to use Fitzgerald in a different role. Posey said, “If we could find a shortstop, that would be great. I think Tyler Fitzgerald did a great job at short last year. I think he has value in multiple spots on the field. I do think it’s hard to play multiple spots at the same time during the season. Whether he’d be better suited to play second base long term is a discussion we’re having.”

The Giants’ key strategy in persuading Ha-Seong Kim to join them hinges on his connection with Jung Ho Lee from their days playing together in South Korea before transitioning to the MLB in the US market as well. Recently, signing a contract with the Giants himself, Lee promptly captured fans’ attention with his batting prowess and swift adaptation to the league. This collaboration between Lee and Kim will help the Giants improve team unity and attract talent from around the world.

The risks involved in signing Ha-Seong Kim

Following a performance in the 2023 season and continued success in 2024, Ha-Seong Kim has showcased his worth on both offense and defense. By opting to change agents and team up with Scott Boras—renowned for landing deals for his clients—it’s evident that he is looking to secure the best possible contract moving forward. Industry experts speculate that Kim could potentially land a year deal ranging from $15 to $20 million annually, subject to contract duration and market conditions.

The Giants have shown openness to offering extended contracts under their leadership. San Francisco is in a position and is looking to recruit players to make a competitive bid for talent acquisition opportunities. However, they may encounter challenges from teams such as the Blue Jays and Padres, which might lead to an escalation in bidding prices. Kim’s health is also something that teams need to take into consideration when making decisions.

Ha-Seong Kim had surgery on his shoulder following the 2024 season, which might cause a delay in his availability for the beginning of 2025. Although his recovery seems to be going as per reports. But any unforeseen issues could affect how well he plays or keep him out longer than anticipated. Teams will probably carry out examinations to evaluate the risk involved in the situation at hand. The Giants have a history of making strategic decisions regarding players with injuries in the past and relying on their potential in the long term.

Ha-Seong Kim’s shoulder operation comes with its share of uncertainties. However, the Giants are well-equipped to support his rehabilitation journey. When Kim regains health and strength as projected, he has the potential to solidify his position in the team’s infield and play a role in their quest for postseason triumph. Finding the balance between investment and health considerations will be paramount.