As the New York Yankees await the resolution of the infield market, with key players like Alex Bregman still unsigned and teams beginning to finalize their offseasons, the pressure is mounting for the team to address their infield needs. Pitchers and catchers are set to report in about a month, and among the remaining notable free agents is Ha-Seong Kim, a defensive standout who could offer a solution to the Yankees’ infield dilemma. While the team certainly requires a new addition, Kim might not be ready to start the season, potentially complicating his fit. However, this situation could work out in the Yankees’ favor.
Although the team clearly needs an infielder, they also seem invested in evaluating their internal options. DJ LeMahieu, who struggled with injuries last season, will be looking to bounce back, and Oswald Peraza, who is out of minor league options, will be fighting for a spot on the roster. Meanwhile, Oswaldo Cabrera, who took on a bigger role last year, could continue to contribute. The Yankees could take a two-pronged approach, adding an infielder like Kim while still giving their internal players the chance to solidify their roles. This strategy could give the team both short-term depth and long-term flexibility, potentially making the roster more capable of contending.
Ha-Seong Kim may not be a superstar, but he’s a reliable player who adds value in ways that often go underappreciated. Over the past three seasons, Kim has averaged 3.7 fWAR and 4.7 bWAR per 150 games, offering solid overall contributions, especially when compared to Gleyber Torres. While Kim isn’t a home run hitter or a middle-of-the-lineup slugger, his patient approach and strong on-base skills make him an attractive addition. His projected .336 OBP would immediately rank as the second-best mark on the Yankees’ roster, and while he may not hit for a high average or power, his ability to get on base and generate offense with his speed is a key asset the team currently lacks.
When examining Kim’s offensive capabilities, his numbers are often underrated compared to other second basemen. Although Brendan Donovan might be a more well-rounded offensive player, Kim’s contributions are comparable to those of Torres, who may no longer be in the team’s plans. Furthermore, Kim’s baserunning abilities could be a welcome boost for the Yankees, who have struggled in this area in recent years. Baserunning has been an overlooked aspect of offense for the team, but adding Kim could inject speed into the lineup, helping the team improve in this critical area.
Kim’s offensive production last season, with 8.3 offensive runs, would have ranked fourth on the Yankees, just behind Jazz Chisholm and Giancarlo Stanton. Looking at the Yankees’ roster turnover this offseason, replacing the four starting position players lost with newcomers like Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Jasson Dominguez, and Kim could help the team maintain a competitive edge. While the Yankees didn’t get top-tier production from every position in 2023, especially from players occupying non-premium defensive roles, these new additions could improve the team’s overall offensive output.
As Opening Day approaches, the likelihood of Kim landing a multi-year deal diminishes, and the Yankees could capitalize on this opportunity by offering a contract similar to the one Gleyber Torres received from the Tigers. This would give the Yankees a solid infield option in Kim, further elevating the team’s potential. If Kim isn’t fully recovered from his shoulder injury, a platoon system with Oswaldo Cabrera against right-handed pitchers and Kim against left-handed pitchers could work effectively. Last season, Cabrera posted a solid 107 wRC+ against righties, while Kim had a 110 wRC+ and a 122 wRC+ against lefties over his four-year MLB career.
In the end, Ha-Seong Kim might not be ready for Opening Day, but his addition could significantly improve both the Yankees’ floor and ceiling, bolstering the team’s infield depth and making them a stronger contender moving forward. If the Yankees act quickly, they could secure a game-changing asset at a time when other teams are also vying for his services.
