The New York Yankees are exploring infield options beyond their current roster after Gleyber Torres signed with the Detroit Tigers. The team’s focus has turned to free agent Ha-seong Kim from the San Diego Padres.
Fox Sports’ Deesha Thosar projects Kim will sign with the Yankees, citing the team’s defensive struggles last season.
“Kim’s high baseball IQ and defensive versatility and prowess would be a breath of fresh air for a Yankees team that ranked 30th in FanGraphs’ baserunning metrics in 2024 and routinely suffered from defensive miscues, poor fundamentals, and mental lapses in the infield,” Thosar wrote. “The Yankees don’t need more flashy free-agent signings now; they need a dynamic jack-of-all-trades Gold Glover like Kim who can quietly transform their offensive production.”
DJ LeMahieu is currently positioned to take over at second base. Adding Kim would give the Yankees multiple defensive alignments to consider.
Kim earned a Gold Glove as a utility player in 2022. He’s made 118 starts at second base and 64 starts at third base in his MLB career.
The Yankees could slot Kim at second base or move him to third, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to play second. Kim’s versatility provides roster flexibility the team lacked in 2023.
Kim’s market value suggests he won’t command top-tier free agent money. While he may not be available for Opening Day, his defensive skills address several of the Yankees’ fundamental weaknesses from last season.
