I'm Calling It! Ha-seong Kim To The Yankees

I have wanted this all winter, and I really and truly believe it’s the perfect solution. the question is, will it happen? 

There have been so many infield names thrown around it can make my head spin, but I believe in my heart that Ha-Seong Kim is the right guy for the New York Yankees infield. Bleeding Yankee Blue has been beating this drum since the beginning of December, and for good reason. Kim represents everything the Yankees need to retool their roster for 2025 and beyond. With his unique blend of elite defense, offensive versatility, and base-running acumen, Kim could be the game-changer the Yankees’ infield so desperately requires.

Let’s break it down. The 29-year-old infielder made his transition from the KBO League to Major League Baseball in 2021, signing a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres. Over those four seasons, Kim has proven to be a defensive wizard, excelling at shortstop, second base, and even third base. We at Bleeding Yankee Blue summed it up best: “Kim is a dream scenario for any team looking to shore up their infield and add speed to their game. Over his four seasons with the Padres, he’s delivered elite defense at every position. Add in his aggressive approach on the basepaths and you’ve got a player who could completely transform the Yankees’ lineup.”

Offensively, Kim’s ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities complements the Yankees’ power-heavy lineup. The Bronx Bombers have long relied on the home run ball, but they’ve often struggled with consistent situational hitting and manufacturing runs. Kim’s disciplined plate approach and ability to put pressure on opposing defenses could be the perfect antidote to those struggles.

Kim’s decision to opt out of a mutual option with the Padres and accept a $2 million buyout signaled his confidence in testing the free-agent market. Aligning with Scott Boras in October 2024 only added to the intrigue. Boras, renowned for securing record-breaking deals for his clients and I do not like him, but he has wasted no time promoting Kim as a rare combination of affordability and premium talent.

For the Yankees, Kim’s availability represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Plus they have a good relationship with Boras. On one hand, Kim’s defensive versatility and offensive upside make him an ideal fit. On the other hand, the Yankees will need to move quickly, as the competition is fierce. The St. Louis Cardinals, in particular, are circling, eager to pair Kim with their rising star Masyn Winn. The Atlanta Braves are also rumored to be in the mix, viewing Kim as a potential X-factor to solidify their infield.

Us Yankee fans love this offseason, but I think this would complete the winter for me and securing a player like Kim could be a bold statement of intent. The team’s infield configuration is currently in flux, but manageable with internal guys, so we technically don’t need Kim, but damn it would be a nice piece.

Scott Boras has reassured teams that Kim’s rehabilitation from a minor injury is progressing well, with a projected return to play by late March 2025. For the Yankees, this timeline aligns perfectly with their spring training schedule and preparations for Opening Day.

While Kim checks all the boxes for the Yankees, the front office must act decisively. The Cardinals are reportedly ready to make a competitive offer, viewing Kim as the ideal complement to their young core. But let’s make one thing clear: Ha-Seong Kim is the infielder the Yankees need this offseason. Bleeding Yankee Blue has been saying it since December, and the case only grows stronger with each passing day. 

Will we make this move? Only time will tell. To Cashman I say… do it baby. Do it.