Ha-Seong Kim Set for Rays Debut After Long Injury Layoff

Since Kim underwent right shoulder surgery, he has yet to wear a uniform for the Rays since signing his 2-year, $29 million contract this past offseason. Before signing with the Rays, Kim spent most of his career with the San Diego Padres, where he produced some of the best years of his career. 

In 2023, with the Padres, Kim earned some MVP votes, finished 14th in the voting, and won a Gold Glove at shortstop for the National League. Overall, 2023 was a career year for Kim, who hit .260 with a .351 on-base percentage and 17 home runs that year.

While Kim provides a decent bat in any lineup, what makes him immensely valuable is his defensive prowess on the field. Being able to play the middle infield along with third base with Gold Glove defense allows him to impact almost every play he’s part of. Additionally, he is known for being able to swipe a few bags, with 38 stolen bases in 2023. Overall, his defensive skills and ability to influence the game all over the field make Kim a very intriguing player.

Currently, the Rays' starting shortstops have been Jose Caballero and Taylor Walls. While they offer nearly the same defensive capabilities as Kim, the real difference maker is Kim’s ability to hit for decent power and get on base at a high clip. He also has the speed to torment the bases, adding to his scrappy play style. 

Overall, the Rays seem to have an excellent player in Kim. If he can replicate even a fraction of what he’s done in the past, he should be a significant upgrade, not only in the lineup but also on the basepaths.