Padres fans may soon have to cope with the one that got away. Ha-Seong Kim, San Diego’s beloved versatile infielder, is slated to enter free agency this offseason. While the Friars would love to have him back on the 2025 roster, it is unlikely he will return to Petco Park.
Kim missed a lot of time down the end of the regular season due to a right shoulder ailment, but he still managed to put out a strong slash line. He hit 30 extra-base hits, swiped 22 bases, and walked 58 times in 121 games after winning the Gold Glove last year.
Kim is expected to test the free agent market after hiring Scott Boras as his agent, which effectively telegraphed his intentions before the summer even began. Despite having recently had surgery, Kim will continue to seek a higher salary due to the high demand for above-average shortstops.
Given the significance of adequate depth, San Diego must begin to consider other options at the position. While the Padres do not require a long-term solution at this position, there are several intriguing candidates to examine in the short run.
Padres’ short-term shortstop possibilities if Ha-Seong Kim leaves for free agency
Kevin Newman may be the strongest candidate to fill San Diego’s shortstop position. He recently turned 31 and has spent his entire career flying beneath the radar. Newman spent five years with the Pittsburgh Pirates before moving on to the Reds and Diamondbacks for one year each.
In 111 games with Arizona in 2024, he recorded a career-high 2.2 bWAR on the strength of a.278 batting average and eight stolen bases. While he won’t elevate your lineup, he is a reliable hitter who won’t cost the Padres any money. He’s also an excellent defender, racking up web jewels on dives to his left.
Another short-term possibility is Amed Rosario. In 2024, he played for three different teams and batted.280 with 24 extra-base hits in 103 games. The 28-year-old has failed to find a stable home after spending four years with the Mets to start his career.
Before being dealt from the Rays to the Dodgers in July, he had a hot bat. In 44 at-bats in July, he batted.386 and demonstrated his ability to be a viable spark plug in the lineup while also providing strong defence. He will also cost the Friars little money.
If San Diego officially waves farewell to Kim and other Padre free agents, they should seriously consider Newman. He’ll fit right in with the lineup, countering the offense’s power bats. If they can’t reach an agreement with him, Rosario isn’t the worst player to sign if we’re only looking at short-term results. The current shortstop free agent pool isn’t particularly good this year, so signing these men on a one- or two-year deal may not be a bad idea.
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