HA-SEONG KIM WOULD BE A GOOD GET FOR THE YANKEES

Let’s be honest: Ha-Seong Kim isn’t the kind of name that sells jerseys or gets people arguing on sports radio, but maybe it should be. Kim isn’t a superstar, but he’s the type of player every team needs—versatile, reliable, and quietly excellent. Credit to Empire Sports Media for being ahead of the curve here—they floated the idea of Kim to the Yankees, and honestly, it’s brilliant.

Kim, fresh off opting out of the last year of his four-year, $28 million deal with the Padres, is the definition of a hidden gem. At 29, he’s an elite defender who can play shortstop, second, or third base without breaking a sweat. He’s a baserunning menace and sneaky good at the plate, grinding out patient at-bats and racking up Offensive Runs like it’s nobody’s business. In fact, despite playing fewer games, Kim managed more Offensive Runs in 2024 than Gleyber Torres. Over the last three seasons, he’s just a smidge behind Torres in value while playing 30 fewer games.

The Yankees could really use someone like Kim. Let’s not sugarcoat it: their infield defense has been more “meh” than memorable, and Kim would lock it down. His glove would save runs, his speed would generate chaos, and his ability to not strike out constantly? A refreshing change. Plus, his bat fits perfectly at the bottom of the lineup, where he could move runners and keep rallies alive instead of just swinging for the fences.

But here’s the catch: the Yankees haven’t been linked to him or anything that we know of. Meanwhile, teams like the Dodgers, Giants, and Blue Jays are circling Kim like he’s the last pizza slice at a party. The Dodgers like him. He’s tailor-made for their lineup and signing him would let Mookie Betts stay in right field, where he crushed it in 2024.

And let’s be honest; competing with the Dodgers is no easy task. They’re basically the Yankees of old, spending big and landing everyone they want, while Hal Steinbrenner keeps pinching pennies. It’s tough out there for us Yankees fans.

If the Yankees want to get back on track, we could use a guy like Kim. He won’t break the bank, but he’ll bring elite defense, steady offense, and enough versatility to make a real difference. It’s a no-brainer—just ask Empire Sports Media, I tip my cap.

I wonder if the Yanks regret making this move. Stay tuned!

Go Yanks.