Korean Infielder Ha-Seong Kim heads toward the Bay Rays for the upcoming season

The Asian pool of talent has been the hotbed of discussion during the ongoing off-season of the MLB. Be it the newly minted Dodgers pitching star Roki Sasaki or Shohei Ohtani- Asian athletes have diverted the attention of the world and are gradually dominating the Baseball world.

Joining the race is the former Padres star Ha-Seong Kim, who the Tampa Bay Rays recently signed for the upcoming two seasons for $29 million.

Ha-Seong Kim joins the Tampa Bay Rays for $29 million

As the off-season is drawing near to its closer and the spring training is about to start, former San Diego Padres star Ha-Seong Kim has found a new home for the upcoming season. The South Korean infielder bagged a contract with the Tampa Bay Rays for $29 million for the two seasons.

Not many people know, but the Yankees were also on the list of teams who were eagerly looking forward to adding the athlete to their roster. The demand for a versatile and talented infielder led the Tampa Bay Rays all the way to Ha-Seong Kim. However, Kim is not a new face in the MLB as he was introduced to the league with the San Diego Padres back in 2021.

Ha-Seong Kim was a significant part of the Padres up to 2024 so it is quite understandable that the 29-year-old Baseball player is coming forward with enough experience that can be fairly used to improvise the Tampa Bay Rays’ line up. The newly minted by Rays star is a recipient of the Golden Glove in 2023.

Former teammate Eric Hosmer talks about his great bond with Ha-Seong Kim

During an appearance on the Diggin Deep podcast back in 2024, former Padres baseman Eric Hosner not only spoke about his stint with the respective MLB team but also poured his heart out while talking about his teammate Ha-Seong Kim. Hosner said-

“Kim’s one of the coolest dudes I’ve ever played with in my life. This dude is an absolute rockstar. Everyone loves him.”

Eric Hosner even reflected on how baseball brought them closer as good friends, he further mentioned-

“[That’s] the beauty of baseball. Kim doesn’t speak any of my languages and I don’t speak any of his languages. And me and him, I felt like, I was like, that’s one of my best friends.”

Eric Hosner has been a part of reputed MLB teams including the Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres. He was introduced to Major League Baseball with the Kansas City Royals back in May 2011. He is currently representing the Chicago Cubs as their first baseman.