Hyun-soo Kim: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent LF

Hyun-soo Kim is a left fielder from Korea who can sign with any Major League Baseball team without going through the bid-based posting system because of his designation as an international free agent. He is bound to generate plenty of interest from a number of squads looking for outfield help.

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Kim Plans on Signing with Team During Offseason

Thursday, Nov. 12

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported Kim’s offseason plans to sign with a major league team and pointed out the 27-year-old was “one of the most consistent hitters in Korea for the past decade.” Kim sports a .318 career batting average and is fresh off a season when he hit .326 for the Doosan Bears.

What’s more, he drew 101 walks compared to only 63 strikeouts and has earned praise for his plate discipline and pop at 6’3” and 220 pounds.    

The free-agent class Kim is competing with is flooded with talented players this offseason, including a handful of impact outfielders who will likely set the bar for salaries and future deals. Jason Heyward is only 26 years old and will almost certainly land a nine-figure deal, while others such as Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton will command impressive contracts as well.

While those outfielders are proven commodities at the major league level, Passan pointed out the success of Jung-ho Kang with the Pittsburgh Pirates gave confirmation to the belief Korean players can succeed right away. Kang hit .287 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI in the middle of the Pirates lineup for a team that reached the playoffs.

Passan also highlighted the fact the Minnesota Twins recently bid $12.85 million for first baseman Byung-ho Park, and power hitter Dae-ho Lee and closer Seung-hwan Oh are expected to join the major leagues next season. There is plenty of talent in Korea, and Kim’s plan to sign this offseason is just the latest example.

Passan reported a scout said Kim is a viable everyday option in left field and can slide in at first base as needed. The combination of positional versatility and discipline at the plate should help him contribute right away for whichever team signs him this offseason.