The San Diego Padres have added another big name this offseason, agreeing a deal with Korean star Ha-seong Kim, according to ESPN and several reports.
Kim, 25, became one of the best free market players when he was sent earlier this month by Kiwoom Heroes, his Korea Baseball Organization team.
Several media outlets reported earlier Monday that Kim was traveling to the United States before the Jan. 1 deadline for MLB teams to sign published KBO players. San Diego already made headlines Sunday night by acquiring left-hander Blake Snell in a box office deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.
The versatile Kim played mostly on the short field and at KBO’s third base, and it’s unclear where he would play with the Padres, who already have superstars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado at shortstop and third base, respectively.
Right-back Kim hit .306 with 30 homers, 109 runs, 111 runs scored and 23 stolen bases last season with Kiwoom.