The San Diego Padres signed infielder Sun-Mung Song from the Nippon Professional Baseball league, adding one of Japan’s top available position players to their roster. The 29-year-old comes over after nine seasons in the NPB with an impressive track record.
Song’s coming off his best power season, launching 26 home runs for the Kiwoom Heroes while driving in 90 runs and swiping 25 bases. He hit .315 last year and carries a solid .283 career average in Japan’s top league.
The glove’s legit too. Song took home the NPB equivalent of a Gold Glove at third base last season. He’s also logged time at second and first, which gives the Padres some flexibility.
That versatility might come in handy. With Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth already locked into infield spots, manager Craig Stammen’s looking at creative ways to get Song’s bat in the lineup.
“Wherever we can get his bat in the lineup, that’s what we’re going to try to do. And we want to find a spot for him where he can be productive for the Padres and there’s a lot of different places that I think he can fit,” said Stammen.
The outfield’s another option, though that’s getting crowded too with Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill and Ramon Laureano in the mix.
There’s also buzz about the Padres potentially moving Cronenworth, which would clear up the infield picture. San Diego’s already been rumored to be exploring trades involving the two-time All-Star.
The signing adds to what’s been an active winter for the Padres. They brought back starter Michael King on a three-year deal, though they couldn’t keep Dylan Cease from hitting free agency.
Song represents the kind of proven international talent that can make an immediate impact. At 29, he’s entering his prime years with plenty of experience against top competition. The position flexibility gives San Diego options as they try to maximize their roster construction heading into 2025.
