The Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to every intriguing free agent as they attempt to build the first repeat champion in almost a quarter century.
Ha-Seong Kim’s free agency is one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason. While his 2024 season was underwhelming, his past performance and versatility make him an attractive option for many teams.
Despite recent struggles, Kim’s 2023 campaign, which included 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 75 walks, 38 stolen bases, and a Gold Glove Award, highlights his potential. His ability to play multiple positions adds to his value, making him a fit for various teams.
As Kim recovers from shoulder surgery, teams may consider a one-year deal to allow him to rebuild his value before potentially signing a longer-term contract. His versatility, defensive prowess, and offensive upside make him a valuable asset for any team in need of infield depth.
Ha-Seong Kim’s Fit With The Dodgers
In their recent articles attempting to find fits for the league’s best free agents, Bleacher Report has connected Kim and the Dodgers, now on two occasions.
In the fall they wrote this about the 29-year-old utility infielder,
“Kim has proved to be an excellent defender at shortstop, second base, and third base. He’s going to work walks and can steal bases. Someone, probably a team that can afford to be patient in April, is going to get very lucky in signing him to a pillow contract. Next winter, it might be a slam dunk to give him a qualifying offer.”
“As much as it would burn for fans in San Diego, the Dodgers love players with positional flexibility and have a need in their middle infield. Kim would be a perfect fit.”
And on Wednesday they again named the Dodgers as the best fit for Kim, this time breaking it down from the team’s neediness for a versatile infielder like him.
“It seems that Mookie Betts will play one of the two middle-infield positions for the Dodgers in 2025, but if the plan is to utilize Tommy Edman in center field, the remaining options to fill the other middle infield spots internally are Miguel Rojas and Gavin Lux. Max Muncy will remain at third base, but he’s going to turn 35 next summer and played in just 73 regular season games this past year.
President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and Manager Dave Roberts love players with positional flexibility, particularly if they can get them when their value is down. Padres fans might now want to hear it, but Kim feels like a perfect Dodger.”