The Padres have a lot of holes to fill come spring training. Another one just opened.
They lost a key contributor Wednesday when free agent Ha-Seong Kim agreed to a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays valued at $29 million, according to reports.
A source confirmed the deal to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it had yet to be announced. ESPN first reported the agreement.
Kim, 29, who played his first four seasons in the majors with the Padres and won a Gold Glove as the National League’s top utility man in 2023, will be paid $13 million this year. He also could earn $2 million in performance bonuses.
Kim has a $16 million player option for 2026.
Padre fans last saw him mid-season. The South Korean infielder tore the labrum in his right shoulder on Aug. 18 and needed season-ending surgery. He hit .233 with 11 homers and 22 stolen bases in the final season of a $28 million, four-year contract.
It’s been a painful offseason for the Padres. They lost out on Kim, Jurickson Profar signed with the Braves and prized pitching phenom Roki Sasaki not only rejected their pitch – he choose the rival Dodgers instead.
And the family turmoil revealed in court papers and other communications earlier this month – a battle over control of the team in the wake of late owner Peter Seidler’s 2023 death – does not look like it will be resolved soon.
