The Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement with Ha-Seong Kim on a two-year deal to be their shortstop in 2025, ESPN and the Tampa Bay Times reported Wednesday.
The deal is worth $29 million with an opt-out after the first season, per the report. Kim will make $13 million in 2025 and $16 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out. He can also make another $2 million in incentives this season, per the reports.
Kim, 29, is coming off shoulder surgery but is expected to return in May.
Kim declined his mutual $8 million option with the San Diego Padres in November and became a free agent.
Kim sustained a season-ending injury to his right shoulder on Aug. 18 while diving back to first base. It turned out he tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder. Kim batted .233 with 11 homers, 47 RBIs and 22 steals in 121 games in 2024.
In four seasons with the Padres, the fan favorite from South Korea batted .242 with 47 homers, 200 RBIs and 78 steals in 540 games. Kim is a stellar defender and won a Gold Glove in 2023.
