What Should the Padres do with Ha-Seong Kim? Trade or Extend?

There is much debate among San Diego fans about what the Padres should do with Ha-seong Kim. However, what WILL happen to him will be decided by GM, AJ Preller. Moreover, a decision will need to go into action one way or another; and fast. Since this is the last year of Kim’s contract and he looks like he’s going to get big money after the 2024 season; as much as $150 million.

That’s a lot of dough to consider paying out to one athlete. Especially, when the Padres have several roster spots to fill with competent; big league players, and very little money available (to stay under tax penalties) to sign those players. The alternative? The Padres utilize their developing farm system rookies probably before they’re ready for the majors.

This is a risk. Proper development of skills is so key to the success of a MLB player. While the Padres do possess a top farm system; you don’t want to spoil things by pulling the trigger too fast. Bringing up the kids too early; and you may risk setting them back in their development or ruining them completely.

However, prospects aside, San Diego will still need to properly handle the Kim situation. So then, should the Padres extend Ha-seong Kim? Trade him now while his value is high? Or keep him and hope they might be able to sign him in free agency?

Well, truthfully they probably could get a nice return for Kim. And there’s some other factors to keep in mind why the powers that be, may be thinking of moving him. One being, that the Padres need a slugging, first baseman in their rotation. Since the experiment of last season failed miserably.

What Should the Padres do with Ha-Seong Kim? Trade or Extend?

What happened last year? Their natural second basemen, Jake Cronenworth, played first base during the 2023 season and had a terrible year. And to top it off, he is now unfortunately signed to a lengthy extension. In addition, Manny Machado is recovering from surgery and may not be available to play third base early in the 24’ season. Additionally, the Pads’ starting pitcher rotation could also use at least one more effective arm and a chunk of the outfield is barren.

Then, there’s the fact that the Padres are already taking a major PR hit this offseason by: trading Juan Soto to the Yankees; losing their beloved owner, losing Snell/Hader; lowering payroll and Ha-seong Kim may be put in a trade; and he is a massive fan favorite. Yikes.

As one can see, this is a very delicate matter. Depending on the decision, the scales of balance could tip wildly. San Diego loves Kim. Fans chant his name every at bat.

With the fanbase already losing so much in the past few weeks; can they take one more hit? No fan wants to pay money to watch a product on the field that’s not up to expectations or Peter Seidler’s ultimate dream. And neither should they have to be okay with it.

Plus, getting rid of Kim could mess with revenue and global growth. The late Peter Seidler’s goal was to turn the Padres into a global brand and entity. The Padres will be starting the season in Korea and Kim is their main ambassador who has much marketing value there; in addition to being a good player. Axing him now, could be a bad look on the global stage and harm future opportunities.

Will San Diego Keep Kim

Nevertheless, what if San Diego wants to keep Kim? If you’re not using cash to get players, someone has to hit the door Jack. Well, turns out the Padres appear to have been trying to trade Jake Cronenworth all off-season, but to no avail. His 2023 stats are deplorable. To get a return on that investment. He really needs to be playing second base as his best value is at that position.

However, this does not mean AJ’s phone is not ringing. It’s just not for Jake. Teams have been calling to try to trade for Kim, recognizing his low salary compared to his five WAR production in 2023.

But, there’s another good reason the Padres may keep Kim for now. Manny Machado. Manny is still recovering.

Therefore, Kim is a good option to play third base at least until Machado is ready to play defense. Moreover, this would keep Kim on the roster for the Korea series against the Dodgers; while also giving the team a better chance at having a great defensive performance early in the season.

What Should the Padres do with Ha-Seong Kim? Final Thoughts

Yet, this still leaves the trade door open later on in the season. The Padres could trade Kim around the trade deadline because they know they will not be able to; or possibly don’t feel it’s a good investment to sign him in the off-season.

Either way, Kim may be gone after the 2024 season at the latest. Due to a trade, or him deciding to play elsewhere if the Padres don’t pay up. Therefore, Padres fans give Ha-seong all the love possible while he’s here; no matter what he will be beloved in San Diego forever.

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