The New York Yankees’ lineup is in a state of flux, and there’s a lot of work to do between now and Opening Day.
The departure of Juan Soto is devastating, but the Yankees had to be prepared for that all along. But while they desperately tried to bring back Soto, there’s been very little word about a potential reunion with second baseman Gleyber Torres, despite all the uncertainty on the Yankees’ infield.
Fortunately, the Yankees have one very versatile piece in Jazz Chisholm Jr., who they acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins, locked in for the next two years. Chisholm, who played second base and center field in Miami, became a solid third baseman in the Bronx despite no prior big-league experience.
But what if Chisholm wasn’t the only Swiss Army knife in the Yankees’ toolkit? There’s a free agent on the market whose skillset could perfectly complement Chisholm’s, while giving the Yankees a rock-solid plan at both second and third base.
Former San Diego Padres star Ha-Seong Kim will return to action for his new team in 2025 sometime in the spring after recovering from labrum surgery. On Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly named the Yankees as one of the top free-agency fits for Kim.
“If Chisholm is at second base, Kim could play third base for the Yankees,” Kelly said. “If Chisholm remains at third base—a spot he posted six outs above average at after being acquired by the Yankees—Kim could play second base. And if the Yankees use Chisholm in the outfield, likely center field, either infield spot would be open for Kim.”
“The Yankees have enough holes in their lineup right now that they will be connected to just about any free-agent position player. Kim is no exception.”
After one of Torres’ worst defensive seasons, Kim would be a welcome addition. He’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender at third base, shortstop, and second base, so the Yankees could even move him around the infield to put forth their best possible lineup depending on matchups.
Kim was projected for a two-year, $36 million contract by Tim Britton of The Athletic earlier this offseason. That deal may end up including an opt-out after year one if Kim decides he’ll have enough time after his surgery to build up his value for another run at free agency.
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