It was reported on Tuesday that 25-year-old Hye-seong Kim would likely be posted today, opening up a 30-day window for him to be signed by an organization stateside. Kim would be coming over after seven seasons and change in the Korean Baseball Organization with the Kiwoom Heroes. Though he is not an offensive powerhouse, like some of the players that have come over from the KBO, Kim is known as a solid defender up the middle, and has more than held his own with the bat as a professional. He is a young player with no cap on his contract negotiations, so there may be plenty of value to be had, something the Yankees could potentially be interested in.
After a cup of coffee in 2017, Hye-seong Kim got rolling in the KBO in 2018 at just 19 years old, and has played in over 120 games in each season since. For the most part, Kim has improved with the bat as he’s matured, with 2023 and ‘24 being his two best offensive seasons as a pro, boasting his best power to date in the latter. He played exclusively at second base this past season, but has plenty of experience at shortstop, with some reps at third base and in the outfield as well.
In 2024, Kim slashed .326/.383/.458 with a 118 wRC+, his fourth consecutive season as an above-average producer. He has a smooth swing from the left side, with a strong ability to spray the ball in all directions.
Kim himself was evidently disappointed with his second consecutive solid performance at the plate, stating that the pressure to impress scouts may have suppressed is production at times. He was open about his disappointment for the ‘24 season, but by all statistical measures has generally moved in the right direction throughout his eight-year career in the KBO.
Despite his own criticisms, Kim’s profile as an overall player is an intriguing one. He has obvious bat-to-ball skills, and flashed the most power of his career this past season with career highs in slugging (.458) and homers, with 11. Ten of those came in the first half of the season, fueling much of Kim’s malcontent, stating a desire to hit for more power before the season but falling off as the year progressed.
He is very well regarded as a defender in the infield, rating out as one of the best with the leather across the league. He was awarded his second consecutive KBO Fielding Award for his work in 2024. Kim is also a constant threat on the basepaths, swiping at least 20 bags in each of his full seasons, topping out at 46 in 2021. The bulk of his appeal will come from the excellent defense and speed on the bases, though his ability to get on base and recent uptick in power only add to his intrigue for big league clubs.
Once posted, MLB teams will have 30 days to reach an agreement with the talented infielder, or he would return to Kiwoom. MLB Trade Rumors has Kim projected for something in the neighborhood of three years and $24 million, though international free agents can be difficult to pin down with much precision.
As for the fit with the Yankees, there could certainly be one. With Gleyber Torres testing the free agency waters as well, it’s likely there will be a vacant position on the dirt in New York. There is plenty of uncertainty, including the future of Torres, as well as the team’s hopes for youngsters like Caleb Durbin and Oswald Peraza, but Kim could be a relatively low-cost investment with some upside as a young and improving player, with speed and a glove that will always raise his floor.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
