The New York Yankees have made several acquisitions after losing outfielder Juan Soto. However, one area general manager Brian Cashman still needs to fill is second base. Could Gold Glove Award winner Ha-Seong Kim be New York’s Gleyber Torres replacement?
Although Torres has publicly stated he’d like to wear pinstripes for the rest of his career, it seems like he’ll be playing somewhere other than the Bronx next season. That leaves the Yankees with two ways to fill this roster hole: use an internal option or acquire someone via free agency or on the trade market.
That’s where Kim could come into play. While the 29-year-old doesn’t have as much offensive upside as Torres, he’s serviceable at the plate while being superior in the field. Kim owns a .706 OPS for his career and won a Gold Glove Award in 2023 while placing 14th in National League MVP Award voting.
Kim’s defense was worth four Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2024 while primarily playing shortstop, according to Statcast. Torres’ defense was -4 OAA as the Yankees’ starting second baseman.
In an Instagram video discussing free agency predictions, MLB analyst Steven Russell said Kim should land in the Bronx.
“Ha Seong Kim … perfect Yankees fit after Gleyber Torres,” Russell said. “Defense-first guy who is at least an average hitter. He’s also very versatile defensively. I think the team could use it.”
Bringing Kim into the fold would give the Yankees options. He’s racked up significant innings at second base, shortstop and third base since making his big-league debut in 2021. He could take over for Torres at second base or play third base and allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to slide back to the keystone.
Spotrac is projecting a four-year, $49 million contract for Kim.
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