As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, former San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim has agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The deal includes an opt-out after the 2025 season, giving Kim the flexibility to re-enter free agency. The contract represents a pay bump from his previous four-year, $28 million deal with San Diego. With Spring Training just weeks away, another infield option linked to the New York Yankees is off the market.
Yankees miss out on another infield target
Kim, who underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason, is expected to return in May and take over as Tampa Bay’s shortstop.
The Yankees had been rumored as potential suitors for Kim, particularly after second baseman Gleyber Torres departed in free agency. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. likely shifting back to second base, the Yankees now have a major question mark at third. As things stand, Oswaldo Cabrera and DJ LeMahieu are expected to compete for the starting job in Spring Training.
Kim would have been an appealing fit for New York given his defensive versatility and on-base skills. Over four seasons with the Padres, he played shortstop, second base, and third base, posting a career .982 fielding percentage with 48 defensive runs saved and just 31 errors across 540 games.
At the plate, Kim brings a disciplined approach with solid contact and speed. He slashed .242/.326/.380 in San Diego, hitting 47 home runs and stealing 78 bases. His 372:206 strikeout-to-walk ratio highlights his patience, making him a strong candidate for a top-of-the-order role—something the Yankees need as they look to find a consistent table-setter for Aaron Judge.
New York Yankees has been linked to several infielders this offseason, including Nolan Arenado, Jorge Polanco, and Alex Bregman. However, Bregman’s price tag likely puts him out of the Yankees’ budget, and recent reports suggest he could return to Houston. With options dwindling, the urgency to land an infielder is only increasing.
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