The New York Yankees’ offseason strategy continues to evolve as they express strong interest in versatile infielder Ha-Seong Kim, whose defensive excellence and baseball acumen could address multiple roster needs. Kim’s Gold Glove pedigree and proven ability to perform under pressure make him an intriguing target for a Yankees squad looking to shore up their infield defense ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Fox Sports analyst Deesha Thosar emphasizes Kim’s potential impact on the Yankees’ defensive struggles. As she notes in her analysis:

“Kim’s high baseball IQ and defensive versatility and prowess would be a breath of fresh air for a Yankees team that ranked 30th in FanGraphs’ baserunning metrics in 2024 and routinely suffered from defensive miscues, poor fundamentals, and mental lapses in the infield (see: the World Series).”

The Yankees’ defensive shortcomings became particularly evident during their World Series defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where fundamental errors proved costly. Kim’s acquisition could represent a significant step toward addressing these vulnerabilities while elevating the team’s overall defensive standards.

The state of the Yankees’ infield

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
The departure of Gleyber Torres to the Detroit Tigers via free agency has created an opportunity for roster reconstruction. While DJ LeMahieu currently projects as the primary second baseman, Kim’s arrival would provide multiple strategic options:

Option 1: Installing Kim at third base would enable Jazz Chisholm Jr. to maintain his position at second base, where he’s shown considerable promise.
Option 2: Deploying Kim directly at second base would immediately upgrade the position’s defensive profile.

Kim’s versatility is well-documented from his tenure with the San Diego Padres, where he demonstrated excellence across multiple positions, including 64 starts at third base and 118 at second base. His 2022 Gold Glove award as a utility player underscores his exceptional defensive capabilities.

Why Kim makes sense for Yankees

Beyond his defensive reliability, Kim brings intangible qualities that could prove transformative for the Yankees. His exceptional baseball instincts and composure in high-pressure situations address specific areas where the Yankees struggled in 2024, particularly in baserunning, where they ranked last according to FanGraphs’ metrics.

While Kim may not headline offensive statistics, his approach at the plate complements the Yankees’ needs. His consistent contact skills and situational hitting ability could provide a valuable counterbalance to the team’s power-heavy lineup.

Financial considerations

Kim represents a potentially cost-effective solution compared to other free agents on the market. This financial efficiency could prove particularly attractive to the Yankees, who have already made significant investments elsewhere on their roster. The ability to address multiple needs without commanding a premium contract enhances Kim’s appeal as a strategic acquisition.

Injury concerns

mlb
Recent injury concerns might delay Kim’s 2025 debut past Opening Day. However, for a team with the Yankees’ depth and long-term vision, this temporary setback could be outweighed by Kim’s potential impact once healthy. The organization’s ability to manage his early-season absence makes the investment in his overall contributions more palatable.

A game-changing addition?

While the Yankees have historically gravitated toward headline-grabbing acquisitions, Thosar suggests their current needs demand a different approach. “The Yankees don’t need more flashy free-agent signings now; they need a dynamic jack-of-all-trades Gold Glover like Kim who can quietly transform their offensive production.” This perspective highlights how Kim’s arrival could signal a strategic shift toward fundamentals and balanced team construction.
Sean M. Haffey
Kim’s addition could catalyze several significant improvements:

Improved Defensive Metrics: His presence would immediately elevate the infield’s defensive capabilities, addressing a critical weakness from 2024.
Lineup Flexibility: Kim’s positional versatility would provide manager Aaron Boone with enhanced tactical options.
Enhanced Baserunning: His baseball IQ and athleticism could help reverse the team’s poor baserunning performance.
Postseason Readiness: Kim’s experience and adaptability would strengthen the Yankees’ foundation for October baseball.

Looking ahead

The Yankees’ pursuit of Kim represents a fascinating subplot in their offseason narrative. While his acquisition might lack the immediate headlines of other major signings, the potential impact on team performance could prove substantial. For a roster already featuring considerable star power, Kim’s addition could provide the balanced skill set and versatility necessary to enhance their World Series aspirations in 2025.