Ha-Seong Kim, by any measure, was one of the best and most complete in-house players on the free agent market this winter. The Fathers, by any measure, already had one of the best and most complete internal fields. Evidently, this was not an impediment. Quite the contrary, in fact. Kim and the Fathers are clearly one
The Fathers, by any measure, already had one of the best and most complete internal fields.
Evidently, this was not an impediment. Quite the contrary, in fact. Kim and the Fathers are clearly a suitable match.
On Tuesday night, the Fathers held an introductory video conference for Kim, who signed a four-year, $ 28 million contract last week. Immediately, Kim made a confident figure, proclaiming the Fathers as contenders for the World Series and setting the goal of winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2021.
Ha-Seong Kim’s dream is coming true in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/w7fIivzQHh
– San Diego Padres (@Padres) January 6, 2021
Kim started his press conference by reading a statement in which he showed his hat to all the Fathers who were entering the field – Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth and Eric Hosmer – calling them “great talents”. Almost instantly, Kim was asked why he would choose to enter an infield with starting players in all four positions.
“The Fathers are not just a contender, but [could] become the World Series champion this year, “said Kim in Korean through an interpreter.” I want to be part of a winning team. That’s why I joined the San Diego Padres. I can play in any position on the court. “
This is precisely the role that the Fathers want Kim to play. In his opinion, there is plenty of room for a versatile field player. Players get hurt. Players need days off. Players fall.
And, of course, if all five of the Padres’ internal players are healthy at the same time, and all five demand a spot on the starting lineup, it is still possible that Cronenworth or Kim could take a look at the outside field. But that will be resolved later.
“We will arrive at Spring Training, we will really start to work harder when we have everyone on the field,” said Preller. “We are very confident that we have players who will be able to move.
“Again, it also goes from 60 games to [162] games. We talked about it a lot as a group here. Last year was really a sprint. This year is coming back for a marathon. … We will keep our players up to date. “
Although Kim played shortstop and third base mainly in Korea, he is likely to see most of his action on second base with the Fathers. Kim could serve in a platoon with Cronenworth, who attacked the left.
But Cronenworth brings a similar kind of versatility, having played all four field positions last season. It seems more likely that both will continue to play regularly, as the Padres give their internal players – and perhaps external players – regular breaths by moving Cronenworth and Kim around the field.
“Let’s look at all the possible options and find that out,” said Preller. “But, originally and right away, we see [Kim] like an infielder. “
Kim’s glove is not at the level of Cronenworth, who has an elite quarterback profile in four positions. But the Fathers expect an above-average Kim defense at second base. They also expect great things on the plate. Kim hit 0.306 / 0.397 / 0.523 with 30 KBO homers last season.
It is a great addition to the attack that returns the starters in all eight positions and boasts, without a doubt, the best inside field of baseball. Kim was quick to note how eager he is to work with the current Padres quartet of in-house players.
“They are great players,” he said. “They have more experience. Just by training with them and playing with them, I will learn and grow as a player.”
Kim spent most of his press conference oscillating between conflicting emotions – humility for an opportunity he called “my dream” and an endless supply of confidence that he will make the most of.
Of course, there is no lack of confidence within the Fathers’ inner camp. As the newly acquired Blake Snell noted last week, the Padres may be the “swaggiest” team in the league. Kim, whose batting hits rival Tatis, clearly intends to increase that.
“It is truly an honor to join the San Diego Padres, the best baseball team in the major leagues, with tremendous firepower and excellent pitch,” said Kim. “2021 will be an incredible year – for me and the Fathers.”
Bold. Today, that’s how the Fathers like it.
AJ Cassavell covers the Fathers for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajcassavell.