JUST NOW: Yankees Set to Land Prominent Infielder from Padres to Solve Third Base Crisis

The New York Yankees are in need of a third baseman, and one prediction suggests they will target Ha-Seong Kim. Kim, a free agent after finishing a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres, is known for his versatility in the infield. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. expected to move to second base, this creates an opening for New York at third.

Colin Cerniglia of YardBarker predicts that the Yankees will sign Kim to fill that spot. “Kim’s glove remains impressive, and he posted an outstanding 6.9 fWAR in 2023-24 with the Padres. While his bat isn’t eye-catching (.242 career average), his defensive abilities and versatility make him a strong fit. The Yankees are likely to move Chisholm Jr. to second base and bring in Kim to solidify third base, addressing two needs at once,” Cerniglia wrote.

Kim’s signing would be a logical move, as he is a strong defender who can provide some offensive support. Last season with the Padres, Kim hit .233 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs, likely slotting as a bottom-of-the-order hitter.

What is Kim Expected to Get in Free Agency?

Kim is recovering from shoulder surgery, which kept him out of the playoffs, and his health status for the start of next season remains uncertain.

A standout defender at shortstop, second base, and third base, Kim offers significant positional flexibility. According to MLBTradeRumors’ free-agent predictions, he could sign a one-year, $12 million deal to rebuild his value ahead of 2025.

The article noted, “If a team is comfortable with his medical outlook, they may overlook the rehab process and pursue a long-term deal anyway.” Kim could also consider a two-year contract with opt-out clauses, following the example set by fellow Boras clients Michael Conforto and Rhys Hoskins, both of whom dealt with injuries. However, such deals carry risk, as both Conforto and Hoskins were expected to be ready for Opening Day in the first seasons of their contracts.

Padres president A.J. Preller recently suggested a timeline of “May, June, July” for Kim’s return to action. His potential contract outcomes are varied, heavily dependent on how his shoulder heals. A one-year deal with incentives based on playing time could set him up for a return to the free-agent market next year.

If the Yankees decide to take a chance on him, Kim could provide a boost to their roster once fully healthy, potentially returning mid-season.

Yankees Could Have DJ LeMahieu Start At Third

If the Yankees decide against signing Kim or any other player, they could opt to start DJ LeMahieu at third base.

LeMahieu has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, but MLB insider Jon Heyman suggests that New York may ultimately turn to him for the position. “Yankees people love Alex Bregman but question whether Yankee Stadium is right for him. It’s possible they hope DJ LeMahieu regains health to fill 3B,” Heyman wrote.

LeMahieu is entering the fifth year of his six-year, $90 million contract. In 2024, he played only 64 games, posting a .204 batting average with 2 home runs and 26 RBIs.