Padres reportedly add intriguing KBO infielder

The San Diego Padres have reportedly filled another hole in their lineup.

Francys Romero of BeisbolFR reported that the Padres have signed Korean Baseball Organization infielder Sung Mun Song. The two sides have reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth $13 million. 

Song had been an approximately league-average hitter, albeit with virtually zero power, before his breakout campaign with the Kiwoom Heroes in 2024. He adjusted his swing to tap into his power potential and blossomed into a star, posting a .340/.409/.518 batting line with 19 homers and 29 doubles over 602 plate appearances while stealing 21 bases.

Sung Mun Song provides intrigue, pitfalls for San Diego Padres

Song proved that his 2024 campaign was not a fluke with another impressive season in 2025. He posted a .315/.387/.530 batting line with a career-high 26 homers and 37 doubles in his 646 plate appearances while stealing 25 bases. 

While Song's numbers are solid, there are reasons for concern. Fangraphs noted that his hit tool has questions as his chase rate spiked and he is particularly vulnerable to fastballs high and away. Players from the KBO have struggled to adapt to the majors, typically taking longer to become accustomed to the higher velocity stateside. However, Song does possess intriguing power potential and a strong all-around skill set, potentially giving him a higher floor than most KBO prospects.

Song may fill a utility role similar to former Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim. While Song has primarily been a third baseman, he does have experience at first and second. He could also be an option at either of those positions if the Padres trade infielder Jake Cronenworth. But first, he will need to prove that his production can match his potential.