The New York Yankees are facing a clear need in the infield, and one MLB analyst predicts they’ll address it by signing a proven veteran. Former MLB catcher and current analyst A.J. Pierzynski has suggested Ha-Seong Kim as the ideal fit to fill the void at second base.
Speaking on Foul Territory, Pierzynski laid out his reasoning: “I got Kim going to the New York Yankees. They need a second baseman, he’s a right-handed bat, he does some things, he can run, he can steal some bases, he plays good defense. He’s the perfect fit for them at second base.”
Kim recently completed a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres. His availability as a free agent comes after declining his share of an $8 million mutual option with the Padres. Now, teams looking for a skilled middle infielder are taking notice, and the Yankees could be at the front of the line. According to Spotrac, Kim is projected to secure a deal in the range of $49 million over four years, a figure that reflects his value on both offense and defense.
A Replacement for Gleyber Torres?
If signed, Kim would likely step in as a replacement for Gleyber Torres, who joined the Detroit Tigers in free agency. Known for his solid glove work, Kim would represent a defensive upgrade for the Yankees at second base. In 2023, he earned a Gold Glove Award at shortstop, highlighting his elite fielding capabilities. Additionally, Kim’s versatility would provide the Yankees with options across the infield.
Offensively, Kim was a steady contributor at the bottom of the Padres’ lineup last season. He hit .233 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs, showcasing his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. Pierzynski highlighted Kim’s speed and baserunning as valuable assets, adding another dimension to his overall game.
Injury concerns linger
However, there is a significant concern: Kim is recovering from season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. This injury could delay his availability at the start of the 2025 season. While the surgery introduces a level of risk, the Yankees may be willing to bet on Kim’s upside, given his defensive prowess and versatility.
The potential addition of Kim would address a critical need for the Yankees as they look to improve their infield defense and add depth to their roster. With the free-agent market heating up, it remains to be seen whether New York will make a move to secure the veteran infielder’s services.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Defensively he should be a great fit at 2B. And he’d be a speedy guy to have on the bases, which is also a plus. But he’s got to get on base, and his offense isn’t nearly as elite as his defense, and likely not much of an upgrade to having Cabrera or resigning Jon Berti. And Kim is a right handed bat. I’d rather see a left handed bat with some pop from someone who can turn on the ball and hit for the short RF porch. Kim doesn’t have a lot of power and doesn’t really hit for average. And he’s not really a pull hitter, so I foresee a lot of outs to left and center field. I haven’t heard anything certain on when he might return from his shoulder surgery, but I understand it could be anytime between 5/1 and the All-Star break, so conceivably we could be without him for half the season. I just don’t see us pulling the trigger on Kim, especially with a salary of $12 million per year and the Yankees concerns with the luxury tax. Unless, of course, a trade can be made for Stroman as part of a salary dump to better afford this type of financial commitment.