Ha-Seong Kim was, by any evaluation, one of the best, most complete infielders on the free agent market this winter. The Padres already had one of the best, most complete infields by some evaluation. Apparently that was not a deterrent. On the contrary. Kim and the Padres are clearly one
The Padres already had one of the best, most complete infields by some evaluation.
Apparently that was not a deterrent. On the contrary. Kim and the Padres are clearly a suitable match.
On Tuesday night, the Padres held an introductory video conference for Kim, who last week signed a four-year deal worth $ 28 million. Kim immediately cut a confident figure by proclaiming the Padres as World Series contenders and aiming to win the Rookie of the Year Award in 2021.
Ha-Seong Kim’s dream comes true in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/w7fIivzQHh
– San Diego Padres (@Padres) January 6, 2021
Kim began his press conference by reading a statement in which he tapped his cap to the entire Padres-starting infield – Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth and Eric Hosmer – which she called “ great talents. ” Almost immediately, Kim was asked why he would choose to participate in an infield with returning starters in all four places.
“The Padres are not only a contender, however [could] become the World Series champion this year, “Kim said through an interpreter in Korean.” I want to be part of a winning team. That’s why I joined the San Diego Padres. I can play any position in the infield. “
That’s exactly the role the Padres want Kim to play. As they see it, there is plenty of room for a versatile infielder. Players are injured. Players need rest days. Players collapse.
And if all five Padres infielders are healthy at the same time, and all five need a spot on the starting grid, it’s still possible Cronenworth or Kim will get a peek into the outfield. But that will resolve itself later.
“We’re going to spring training, we’re really going to dig more when we have everyone on the field,” said Preller. “We are very confident that we have players who can move.
Again, it also goes from 60 games to [162] spell. We’ve talked a lot about this as a group. Last year was a real sprint. This year we are going back to a marathon. … We are going to keep our players fresh. “
While Kim played shortstop and third base mainly in Korea, he will likely see most of his action at second base with the Padres. Kim could potentially serve in a platoon with the lefty-hitting Cronenworth.
But Cronenworth brings a similar versatility, having played all four infield positions last season. It seems more likely that both will continue to play regularly as the Padres keep their infielders – and perhaps their outfielders – breathing regularly by moving Cronenworth and Kim across the field.
“We’ll look at every possible option and figure it out,” Preller said. “But originally and straight out the gate, we see [Kim] as an infielder. “
Kim’s gauntlet is not up to the level of Cronenworth, who profiles himself in four positions as a borderline elite defender. But the Padres expect an above-average defense from Kim at second base. They also expect great things on the plate. Kim hit .306 / .397 / .523 last season with 30 homeruns in the KBO.
It’s a decent addition to a foul that will land starters in all eight positions and have arguably the best infield in baseball. Kim was quick to notice how eager he is to partner with the current Padres infielders quartet.
“These are great players,” he said. “They have more experience. Just by training and playing with them, I will learn and grow as a player.”
Kim spent most of his press conference teetering between conflicting emotions – humility for an opportunity he called “ my dream ” and an endless supply of confidence that he will make the most of it.
Of course there is no lack of confidence within the Padres infield. As newly acquired leftist Blake Snell pointed out last week, the Padres are arguably the “swaggiest” team in the league. Kim, whose bat flips rival those of Tatis, clearly intends to add to that.
“It is truly an honor to join the San Diego Padres, the top baseball team in the Major Leagues, with tremendous firepower and excellent pitching,” said Kim. “2021 will be a great year – for me and for the Padres.”
Bold. Today that is exactly how the Padres want it.
AJ Cassavell covers the Padres for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajcasavell.