Ha-Seong Kim DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal on Wednesday that includes an opt-out clause after the first season, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Kim is coming off labrum surgery but is expected to return in May and is slated to take over at shortstop for the Rays when he's ready to make his 2025 debut. Fantasy managers are going to be skeptical, and rightfully so, especially coming off shoulder surgery. It's a fair bet that the 29-year-old South Korean native's 2023 season with the San Diego Padres -- when he hit .260/.351/.398 with 17 homers, 60 RBI and 38 steals -- is his high-water mark. He dropped down to a .233/.330/.370 line with 11 homers, 47 RBI and 22 steals in 121 games last year. Kim is a nice source of speed, but coming off injury and going to a much weaker lineup in Tampa, his fantasy stock will be down considerably.

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim remains a target for the Detroit Tigers. Petzold noted that the team continues to view him as a possible "fallback" option if the team fails to sign Alex Bregman. However, Bregman remains Detroit's top priority. Kim is not expected to be ready for Opening Day as he is still recovering from shoulder surgery. The Houston Astros have re-emerged as potential favorites to plan Bregman as contract talks have resumed, and the team recently traded relief pitcher Ryan Pressly to open salary. Last season, Kim posted a .233/.330/.370 line with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate with a 16.4% K rate and a 12.3% walk rate.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day after having surgery to fix the labrum in his right shoulder. However, Kim should be game-ready at some point in the first half of the 2025 campaign. It explains why his free-agent market has developed slowly this offseason and why he still remains available. Morosi mentions the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants as possibilities to sign Kim. San Fran signed Willy Adames to play shortstop but could have an opening if Tyler Fitzgerald doesn't pan out in his first full season. The M's signed Donovan Solano recently, but they could want to add Kim for more infield depth. The 29-year-old will have eligibility at SS, but his mediocre power and injury make him a big question mark in fantasy after he hit just .233 with 11 homers and 47 RBI in 2024. At the very least, Kim will retain value for his speed -- 60 steals in the last two seasons.

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim is viewed as a "fallback" option if the Tigers are unable to sign either third baseman Alex Bregman or outfielder Anthony Santander. While the Tigers are reportedly "all-in" on Bregman and have expressed strong interest in Santander, Kim would be a fine "Plan C." Last summer in San Diego, Kim held a .233/.330/.370 slash line with 11 home runs and 22 stolen bases across 121 games. He showed a stellar eye at the plate with a 16.4% strikeout rate and a 12.3% walk rate. Kim underwent shoulder surgery in October and is only expected to miss the first month of the 2025 season. If he were to sign with Detroit, he would likely be given most of starts at shortstop and see occasional opportunities at the hot corner. His signing would limit Trey Sweeney's plate appearances and potentially Jace Jung's as well.

The Detroit Tigers are interested in signing free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) as they look to add a right-handed bat this offseason. Kim hits from the right side and has the ability to play shortstop, third base or second base, although he's also recovering from surgery on his right shoulder to fix a torn labrum. Because of the surgery, the 29-year-old Korean infielder won't be ready for the start of the 2025 season, although he should make his season debut in the first half. Kim could opt to settle for a one-year deal this offseason and then look to reset his market and re-enter free agency at age 30. In his last three seasons with the San Diego Padres, Kim hit .250 with a .336 on-base percentage, 11% walk rate and 17.9% strikeout rate. Kim's best asset is his speed, but his middling power and injury will drive hi price down in fantasy drafts this upcoming spring.