Ha-Seong Kim , a key member of the San Diego Padres for the past few seasons, declined his end of an $8 million mutual option for 2025, the team said Saturday. The shortstop will receive a $2 million buyout and enter free agency for the first time. The move was expected after Kim outperformed a four-year, $28 million contract signed before the 2021 season, but his foray into the open market comes at an interesting juncture.
Kim, 29, underwent labrum surgery on his throwing shoulder on Oct. 10 and is targeting an early-season return in 2025, although doctors have suggested that he might have to wait until May or later. The Padres remain interested in retaining Kim on a short-term deal that would allow him to prove his health.
Advertisement Kim injured himself on Aug. 18 diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt, with imaging later revealing a tear in his labrum. Kim tried to return before the end of the season, but after his throwing progression stalled multiple times, he was shut down in late September.
He was asked then if he thought he had potentially played his final game for the Padres. “Anything can happen in the future, so we’ll see,” Kim said through interpreter David Lee. “Obviously, San Diego’s a huge part of me because this is my fourth season with them, and along those four years, we’ve fought to get that World Series trophy every year and made great memories.
The team almost feels like family to me now.” Despite his injury, Kim is expected to co.
