Ha-Seong Kim's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (back) began experiencing back spasms on Tuesday in camp while doing drills and will take advantage of the team's off day on Thursday to get some extra rest this week, according to multiple sources. Kim's rest this week is being described as "precautionary" and "preventative." He didn't take part in drills on Wednesday but was said to have been virtually pain-free by Tuesday night. The expectation is that he'll return to Cactus League action on Friday night against the San Francisco Giants. The Padres don't seem concerned at all by the 28-year-old's injury, so he should be ready for two-game series in Korea against the Dodgers on March 20-21 to kick off the 2024 season. Kim's fantasy stock is on the rise after a breakout 2023 campaign, and he's also gone 6-for-15 with a home run and two steals in spring training.

San Diego Padres second baseman Ha-Seong Kim will return to shortstop in 2024 with Xander Bogaerts being moved full time to second base, according to manager Mike Shildt. While Bogaerts was solid defensively at shortstop in 2023 in his first year with the team, Kim has been the better defender overall, so the two will flip-flop positions. Offensively, Kim broke out last year, setting career-highs in batting average (.260), on-base percentage (.351), slugging percentage (.398), OPS (.749), home runs (17), RBI (60), stolen bases (38) and runs (84) in 152 games. The 28-year-old Korean infielder was one of SD's better all-around players, which has in turn increased his price in fantasy drafts in 2024. Adding shortstop eligibility will only increase his value to fantasy managers as he looks for an encore.

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller said Tuesday that while the team has listened to offers for middle infielder Ha-Seong Kim, they do not feel compelled to trade him. The 28-year-old will be a free agent after the 2024 season with a mutual option for 2025. Kim had his best season yet in 2023 since joining the big leagues, slashing .260/.351/.398 with 17 home runs, 84 runs scored, 60 RBI, and 38 stolen bases. The Padres are still looking for upgrades in the outfield, but their lineup is still strong enough that Kim could have another successful fantasy season in 2024 if he can continue to provide both power and speed.

The San Diego Padres continue to draw significant trade interest in second baseman Ha-Seong Kim this offseason, according to sources briefed on the discussions. Kim is eligible for free agency at the end of the 2024 season, but he was among the team's best players in 2023, so the acquisition cost would be high. The 28-year-old infielder's fantasy price is way up heading into spring drafts after his breakout last year that included a .260/.351/.398 slash line with career-highs in home runs (17), RBI (60), stolen bases (38) and runs scored (84) in 152 games played. Kim didn't look overmatched like he had in his first two big-league seasons and carried a disappointing Padres offense at times. His ability to play second, third and shortstop is also highly valuable in both real life and in fantasy.