REPORT: Yankees to Sign Padres Infielder to Fill Void At Third Base
The New York Yankees have a pressing need at third base, and one prediction sees them addressing it by signing Ha-Seong Kim in free agency.
Kim, coming off a four-year, $28 million deal with the San Diego Padres, offers defensive versatility across the infield. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. potentially shifting to second base, the Yankees could fill their third-base vacancy by adding Kim to the roster.
Colin Cerniglia of YardBarker forecasts that the Yankees will sign Kim to become their starting third baseman.
“Kim’s glove continues to dazzle, and he compiled a stellar 6.9 fWAR in 2023-24 with the San Diego Padres. His bat doesn’t dazzle (.242 career average), but his versatility and defensive value are unmatched. Prediction: The Yankees will shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and add Kim to anchor their infield at third, solving two problems at once,” Cerniglia wrote.
Kim’s addition would provide strong defensive stability and some offensive support. While his offensive numbers aren’t standout, as shown by his .233 average, 11 home runs, and 47 RBIs with the Padres last season, he would likely serve as a reliable bottom-of-the-order bat.
What is Kim Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Ha-Seong Kim’s availability for the start of the season is uncertain as he recovers from shoulder surgery, which sidelined him for the playoffs. Despite this, Kim’s positional flexibility as a plus-defender at shortstop, second base, and third base makes him an intriguing option in free agency.
According to MLBTradeRumors, Kim is projected to sign a one-year, $12 million deal, giving him a chance to rebuild his value for the 2025 season.
“It’s certainly possible that if a team feels comfortable with his medical outlook, they’ll largely overlook the rehab process and attempt to sign him long-term anyhow,” the article notes. “Kim could also consider two-year deals with opt-out clauses, similar to those signed by fellow Scott Boras clients Michael Conforto and Rhys Hoskins after significant injuries. However, this approach carries risk for the signing team. Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has estimated a return for Kim somewhere between May and July.”
The uncertainty surrounding Kim’s recovery creates a wide range of possible contract outcomes. A short-term deal with incentives tied to playing time could be the most likely path, allowing Kim to re-enter the market in 2025.
If the Yankees take a chance on Kim, he could provide a midseason boost to their roster once fully healthy, offering elite defensive skills and the ability to stabilize their infield.
Yankees Could Have DJ LeMahieu Start At Third
If the Yankees opt not to pursue Ha-Seong Kim or another free agent, they could turn to DJ LeMahieu as their starting third baseman.
LeMahieu, however, has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, impacting his performance. Despite this, MLB insider Jon Heyman suggests that the Yankees may rely on him at third base.
“Yankees people love Alex Bregman but question whether Yankee Stadium is right for him. Possible they hope DJ LeMahieu regains health to fill 3B,” Heyman noted.
LeMahieu is entering the fifth year of his six-year, $90 million contract. In 2024, he appeared in just 64 games, posting a .204 batting average with 2 home runs and 26 RBIs. While his recent production has been underwhelming, the Yankees might hope a healthy LeMahieu can rebound and provide stability at third base.