Gold Glove Utility Man Signs with the Rays

Defensive specialist Ha-Seong Kim has signed with the Tampa Bay Rays on a two-year deal worth $29 million. Kim will provide the Rays with a defensive upgrade in the middle of the infield throughout the 2025 season and beyond. At 29 years of age, Kim still has plenty of great years of baseball left in him. The Rays will also hope to unlock his potential at the plate and have him improve on his career .242 batting average.

With the Rays, Ha-Seong Kim will have an amazing opportunity to bounce back from an injury-shortened 2024 season. The former 2023 Gold Glove utility man will be able to provide defensive versatility throughout the infield. Although he carries the most experience at second base and shortstop, Kim can also play third base as well but did not play there much as a member of the Padres due to Manny Machado occupying the position. Although Kim had a down year at the plate in 2024, he has shown flashes of offensive prowess, slashing .260 with 140 hits, 17 home runs, and 60 runs batted in during the 2023 season. Ha-Seong Kim is also known for his speed and smart base running. This can help Tampa Bay in run production, as he has stolen 78 career bases in less than four full seasons of play.

Reliable defense throughout the middle and left side of the infield can be hard to find. Ha-Seong Kim fills this need for the Rays while also providing the ability to move around to different positions. Kim’s speed will benefit the team on the basepaths, as Tampa Bay hopes to see improvements from him at the plate. Coming off of season-ending shoulder surgery to address a small labrum tear, Kim may be viewed as a risky signing by some. However, his defensive expertise and his ability to play multiple positions make him worth the risk. Furthermore, if Kim can produce at the plate, he may soon become one of the most coveted middle infielders in baseball.