As the Yankees sift through their options to patch up the infield, Ha-Seong Kim emerges as an intriguing candidate. He’s not the flashiest name on the market, but Kim’s skill set might just make him a perfect utility knife for a team in need of versatility, defense, and a bit of base-path magic.
Steady at the Plate, Dynamic on the Bases
In 2024, Kim put up a solid, if unspectacular, stat line: a .233/.330/.370 slash with 11 homers, 47 RBIs, and a 101 wRC+. His offensive production is about league average, but it’s buoyed by his ability to get on base and make things happen once he’s there. With 22 stolen bases in 121 games, Kim offers the kind of aggression on the base paths that the Yankees sorely missed last year.
Kim’s plate discipline is another feather in his cap. Ranking in the 98th percentile in chase rate and 92nd percentile in whiff rate, he has a knack for working counts and making pitchers labor. He also brings a slight platoon edge, faring better against left-handed pitching (.248) than right-handers (.228). While his bat won’t carry a lineup, it’s steady enough to complement the Yankees’ power-heavy approach.
A Glove for All Seasons
Where Kim truly shines is in the field. He’s one of the best defensive infielders in the sport, capable of covering ground and making difficult plays look routine. Whether at second, third, or shortstop, Kim’s glove provides stability and flexibility, qualities the Yankees desperately need.
However, there’s a wrinkle. Kim is coming off shoulder surgery and may require additional recovery time before he’s fully operational in 2025. While the injury isn’t ideal, it could lower his market value just enough for the Yankees to swoop in and land him on a team-friendly deal.
The Shortstop Conundrum
One of the biggest questions surrounding Kim is whether he’d be open to shifting positions. He’s primarily played shortstop, where the money tends to flow more freely in free agency, but the Yankees already have Anthony Volpe penciled in at the position. If Kim is willing to slide over to second or third base, he’d fill a glaring need while allowing the team to keep Volpe in his natural role.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Play
Kim’s shoulder injury adds an element of risk, but it also creates an opportunity for the Yankees. With fewer teams likely to push aggressively for his services, the Bombers could snag a player who checks multiple boxes: elite defense, excellent plate discipline, and smart base running. He doesn’t solve every problem, but in a lineup that already boasts Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole anchoring their respective sides of the ball, Kim could be the glue that holds the infield together.
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The Yankees don’t need a superstar—they need a dependable piece that complements their existing core. If Kim’s rehab stays on track and he’s willing to adjust his role, he might just be the under-the-radar addition that pushes the Yankees one step closer to contention.