Kim Ha-seong, a South Korean baseball star, has found a new home, signing a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB) free agency.
According to ESPN and MLB.com on Jan. 30, the deal includes salaries of $13 million for 2025 and $16 million for 2026, with an additional $2 million in incentives. Notably, the contract features an opt-out clause, allowing Kim to re-enter free agency after the 2025 season.
Over four seasons with the San Diego Padres, Kim posted a cumulative batting average of 0.242, hitting 47 home runs and recording 200 RBIs, with an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.706. He earned acclaim for his exceptional defense, becoming the first Asian infielder to win a Gold Glove in the utility category in 2023. However, late last season, he injured his right shoulder while returning to first base during a game against the Colorado Rockies, which led to surgery.
Kim’s long recovery from shoulder surgery hurt his value in the free-agent market, leading to a shorter contract than expected. ESPN reported that teams were unsure about his throwing ability after surgery, which made it difficult for him to land a long-term deal.
Kim’s move to the Rays came as a bit of a surprise. Tampa Bay is known as a small-market team that prioritizes efficiency and rarely hands out large free-agent contracts. However, with this deal, Kim will be the team’s highest-paid player in 2025 and is expected to strengthen both their offense and defense.
Since their founding in 1998, the Rays have made the postseason nine times, including five consecutive appearances from 2019 to 2023. Last season, however, they finished fourth in the American League East with an 80-82 record, falling short of expectations. Looking to reinforce their infield, the Rays saw Kim—known for his outstanding defense—as a strong fit.
Kim is now the fourth Korean player to suit up for the Rays, following Seo Jae-weong (2006–2007), Ryu Jae-kuk (2007–2008), and Choi Ji-man (2018–2022). Choi, in particular, played a key role as the team’s starting first baseman for five seasons and helped Tampa Bay reach the World Series in 2020.
Kim’s contract includes an opt-out clause, allowing him to re-enter free agency after the 2025 season. If he performs well, he could position himself for a bigger deal next offseason.
Last year, Kim played in 121 games, hitting 0.233 with 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, 22 stolen bases, and a 0.700 OPS. He was consistent through the first half of the season, but his offensive production dipped in the latter part due to injury.
