Sports writer Evan Petzold reported on his podcast “Days of Roar” that the Tigers are “In” on former Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Kim finished 2024 with a slash line of .233/.330/.370/.700. His slash line was even better with runners in scoring position, which is definitely an area to improve in for the team. Kim’s 2024 season would come to a screeching halt after injuring his shoulder diving back into first base. His target return from injury is the beginning of the 2025 season.

Kim is yet another potential free agent that fits the profile of defensive-minded players that command the strike-zone. He is a discipline, soft contact hitter that rarely strikes out, or chases outside of the zone. His 12% walk rate is in the 96 percentile. In addition to his elite plate discipline, he is a plus defender at a number of positons on the infield with 4 outs above average. Kim’s sprint speed falls in the 76th percentile of the league. In 2023 he swiped a career high 38 bags. His speed would be a nice addition to a Tiger’s team who was already aggressive on the base paths last year. Kim would be a excellent one-two punch of stolen base threats alongside Parker Meadows.

#Undefeatable Ha-Seong #Kim’s 23rd SB !! 😂👊🏻

The most SB by a Korean-born player in a season. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/riMLdOd5pp

— Joseph Kim (@blackwings2011) August 5, 2023

Role with the Tigers

All in all , Kim would be a major upgrade over Javier Baez who still has a remaining 3 years on his massive deal, after opting in last winter. He could still be a nice platoon option at the shortstop position as the Tigers will likely elect to hold on to Javy.  This signing would put Trey Sweeney’s role in question with the major league roster. Sweeney was acquired at the trade deadline in the Jack Flaherty deal, and was the everyday shortstop down the stretch for the Tigers after Baez went down with a season-ending hip injury. Sweeney was a serviceable option at the position, but certainly didn’t do enough to solidify himself as the everyday shortstop. Kim does have experience playing 3rd base so the Tigers may be looking to have him platoon at that position as they continue to grew top prospect Jace Jung into that role. Stay tuned to FFSN for all updates in Tiger’s Free Agency.