The New York Yankees are reportedly considering signing former San Diego Padres second baseman Ha-Seong Kim to fill the void left by Gleyber Torres. Torres, a two-time All-Star and longtime Yankees infielder, signed a $15 million, one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers after not receiving an offer from New York. With spring training approaching, the Yankees have yet to finalize a replacement for Torres.
The team explored options such as Gavin Lux, traded by the Dodgers to the Reds, and Brendan Rodgers, a former Gold Glove infielder from the Rockies. However, neither pursuit materialized. Now, a prediction from Fox Sports links the Yankees to Kim, who could be signed for a reported four-year, $49 million deal. This contract would average $12.3 million annually, a more affordable option compared to Torres’ recent deal.
Kim, a Gold Glove winner at second base in 2023, would bring versatility and reliable production to the Yankees’ lineup. Known for his plate discipline and savvy baserunning, Kim could complement star players like Aaron Judge. Before joining the Padres in 2021, Kim spent seven seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization, where he demonstrated his ability to play multiple infield positions.
Statistically, Kim performed better than Torres in 2024. His Wins Above Replacement (WAR) was 2.6, surpassing Torres’ 1.8, despite playing fewer games. On a per-162-game basis, Kim’s WAR was 3.5 compared to Torres’ 1.9, highlighting his potential as a significant upgrade for the Yankees.
The idea of adding Kim has garnered support among Yankees fans and analysts. Blogs like Bleeding Yankee Blue have advocated for Kim’s signing throughout the offseason, emphasizing his potential to enhance the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities. If the Yankees secure Kim, he could provide a cost-effective solution while improving the team’s overall performance.
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