The San Diego Padres saw one of their fan favorite players leave in the offseason and join the Tampa Bay Rays. That player has yet to make his MLB Rays debut as he’s dealt with an injury. Until now.
According to Ryan Bass of Rays Baseball TV, the Rays are reinstating shortstop and former Padres fan favorite Ha-Seong Kim. He comes off the 60-day injured list after dealing with a shoulder issue all offseason.
Breaking: The #Rays have reinstated SS Ha-Seong Kim from the 60-day IL. He’s expected to make his Tampa Bay debut in Minnesota.
INF Curtis Mead was optioned to Triple-A Durham.
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) July 3, 2025
Kim signed with the Rays in the offseason on a two-year, $29 million deal with $13 million guaranteed. It also includes an opt-out after the first year, as Kim’s free agency was impacted by his injury.
The versatile infielder spent the first four seasons of his big league career with the Padres. San Diego got four solid years from Kim, including a Gold Glove in 2023 along with MVP votes that same season.
MORE: Padres get bad news on catcher trade target amid dire need
It was his best year with the Padres, as he totaled 140 hits, 84 runs scored, 23 doubles, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 38 stolen bases, 75 walks, and 124 strikeouts. His .749 OPS and his 5.4 WAR were both the highest in his career.
After four strong years in San Diego, Kim left to pursue a new deal in free agency. The Padres’ fan favorite didn’t get the market he was hoping for due to his injury, but he still found a home in the Rays.
The 29-year-old is now set to make his Tampa Bay debut. As Kim takes Curtis Mead’s spot on the MLB roster for the Rays, he will look to help the Rays make a postseason push amid their 48-39 record to start the year.
MORE MLB NEWS:
