Infielder Ha-Seong Kim’s Agent Change Poised to Impact Free Agency Prospects

As the Major League Baseball free agency period approaches, the name of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to be a significant topic of discussion. Kim, who is currently under contract with the San Diego Padres, has made a notable change in representation by hiring the well-known sports agent Scott Boras. Boras is infamous in MLB circles for his robust negotiation tactics, representing many high-profile players including Blake Snell and Jung Hoo Lee.

The switch to Boras suggests that Kim is preparing to enter free agency. His existing contract with the Padres includes a mutual option for the 2025 season, valued at $8 million. However, it is anticipated that Kim will decline this option, opting instead for a $2 million buyout to test the open market. This would mark his first true free agent experience since signing with San Diego in 2021 after being posted to Major League Baseball by the Kiwoom Heroes of South Korea’s KBO League.

Kim’s performance over the past few seasons has made him a notable infield free agent prospect. Since joining the Padres, he has recorded a batting line of .250/.336/.385, with a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 106, which is 6% above the league average. His strengths are particularly highlighted by his defensive prowess, as Kim ranks 17th among infielders in Outs Above Average over the past three years, boasting a figure of +21.

However, Kim’s journey through free agency could be complicated by a recent announcement that he is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery in the offseason. The surgery has the potential to affect his market value, given that a significant portion of Kim’s appeal to teams lies in his defensive capabilities.

Boras will certainly play a crucial role in managing these negotiations, known for securing strategic and potentially lucrative deals for his clientele, even those facing similar challenges. In the past, Boras-managed players like Snell and others have navigated free agency despite injurious setbacks by securing complex, option-laden contracts.

As the season progresses, the San Francisco Giants and other teams are likely to express interest in Kim, particularly given his previous relationship with Giants’ manager Bob Melvin, under whom Kim played while in San Diego. While the implications of Kim’s shoulder surgery on his free agency are yet to be fully understood, industry insiders and fans alike will be closely watching Boras’ approach in advocating for his client’s interests.