The Kansas City Royals began the offseason as one of the most active teams in MLB, quickly extending veteran Michael Wacha to a deal worth the fourth-highest amount in franchise history. They also traded pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer.
However, the team has since quieted down, leaving the Winter Meetings without securing the middle-of-the-order bat they were hoping for, and making only minor-league moves in recent weeks.
While there is still work to be done this winter, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly has identified the Royals as a potential destination for free agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim.
Although the Royals aren’t considering moving superstar Bobby Witt Jr. from his position, Kelly suggests that with some creative adjustments, Kim could join Witt as Kansas City’s regular second baseman.
Kelly points out that while India is a natural second baseman, his career has been marred by poor defensive metrics at that position, making him a better fit as a designated hitter.
Additionally, both India and Michael Massey are reportedly open to playing left field, which would open the door for Kim to take over at second base. There’s also the possibility that Kim could play third base if Maikel Garcia doesn’t improve.
The Royals may eventually target a bat with more power, but regardless of their current roster, adding someone like Kim — who draws walks, steals bases, and excels defensively — could significantly improve their infield. Pairing him with Witt would certainly be an exciting watch.
Kim’s 2023 season was his best offensively, but he regressed in 2024, finishing with a .233/.330/.370 slash line, 11 home runs, and 47 RBIs over 470 plate appearances.
However, he led the Padres with 22 stolen bases, ranked in the 96th percentile for walk rate, and was strong in both strikeouts and whiff rate.
As a Gold Glove shortstop in 2023, Kim continued his stellar defensive play in 2024, posting 4 Outs Above Average (OAA) and ranking in the 85th percentile of fielders.
The Royals’ outfield was one of their weakest areas in 2024, especially offensively. If India and Massey are willing to shift to the outfield, adding Kim as the starting second baseman would make sense, even if the situation eventually turns into a platoon.
There’s also the possibility that the Royals might look to replace third baseman Maikel Garcia in 2025 if he doesn’t improve, and Kim could be an option for that role as well.
If Kim can regain his offensive form from 2023, he could fill the Royals’ need for a consistent bat in the middle of the lineup. However, if the team does continue to pursue free agency, Kim may not be their top target.
Spotrac predicts Kim’s market will land him a four-year, $49 million deal, while Bleacher Report had projected him to sign for $68 million in June.
With those figures in mind, the 29-year-old’s expected average annual value (AAV) of $12.25 million or $17 million might be more than the Royals are willing to spend, especially given that a significant roster shakeup would be necessary to fit him in.
While Kim’s defense and bat would likely benefit the Royals, it’s more probable they will focus on the trade market, making a match with Kim unlikely.
Even if Kansas City decides to dip into free agency, the team might be better off pursuing outfielders, such as Teoscar Hernández, rather than reworking their lineup to fit a shortstop at second base.
