MLB News: Ha-Seong Kim, Rays Reportedly Agree to 2-Year, $29M Contract in Free Agency

The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly have their next shortstop.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Wednesday that the American League East team agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with Ha-Seong Kim. The deal includes an opt-out after the first year.

Passan noted Kim is recovering from shoulder surgery but is expected to return to the field in May.

The 29-year-old spent the first four seasons of his career on the San Diego Padres and brings a versatile skill set to Tampa Bay.

One of the first things that jumps out is his glove, as he has experience at shortstop, second base and third base and was effective at all three positions. He won a Gold Glove in 2023 and, according to FanGraphs, was responsible for 24 defensive runs saved above average at shortstop during his time in San Diego.

While he played shortstop exclusively in 2024, he was also responsible for 15 defensive runs saved above average at second base and nine defensive runs saved above average at third base during his time with the Padres as well.

Kim is also a formidable base runner and stole 22 bases last season after stealing 38 the previous year.

Even though his offense isn't quite at the level as his speed and fielding, he still hit double-digit home runs in each of the last three seasons. Kim appeared in 121 games in 2024 and slashed .233/.330/.370 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI.

Tampa Bay is looking to return to form after missing the playoffs in 2024 for the first time since the 2018 campaign.

Adding a versatile player who can impact the game a number of ways and anchor the middle of the defensive infield should help it do just that.