After their defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, the New York Yankees faced a tough decision regarding their middle infield. Second baseman Gleyber Torres, who had played seven seasons with the team and hit at least 24 home runs in four of those years while earning two All-Star selections, was set to become a free agent.
Ultimately, the Yankees made no move to keep him, choosing not to offer him a qualifying offer or any other contract. Torres eventually signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, leaving the Yankees in search of a new second baseman.
Meanwhile, in San Diego, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and the Padres mutually agreed to decline the option year on his contract, allowing the 29-year-old former KBO star to enter MLB free agency for the first time.
According to a recent analysis by Fangraphs, if Kim were to switch positions and play second base, he would be a strong fit for the Yankees. Fangraphs highlighted that the Yankees currently project just 3.4 wins from second base, with Jazz Chisholm Jr., DJ LeMahieu, and Oswaldo Cabrera handling the position.
Adding Kim would allow Chisholm to return to third base, a position he performed well in last season despite having no prior experience there.
Fangraphs also noted that the Yankees, with $19 million left to match their 2024 payroll, have the financial flexibility to sign Kim. The former KBO star, who posted a .921 OPS in the 2020 season with the Kiwoon Heroes, is coming off a four-year, $28 million contract with the Padres.
Although Spotrac estimates Kim’s market value at around $49 million for four years, his recovery from shoulder surgery, which cut his 2024 season short, may lower his price. However, Fangraphs’ projections were more optimistic, with some predicting a five-year, $100 million deal for Kim.
