Who is Sung-mun Song? San Diego Padres sign KBO star with big bat and $13 million deal

Sung-mun Song is officially heading to Major League Baseball. On Friday, December 13, 2025, the San Diego Padres signed Sung-mun Song as a free agent, according to ESPN reporter Jorge Castillo. The move adds a proven bat from South Korea to a Padres team looking for balance and depth ahead of the 2026 season.

Sung-mun Song comes from the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization. He is known for strong hitting, speed on the bases, and steady infield defense. While his exact position in San Diego is still unclear, the Padres believe his bat will play right away.

Sung-mun Song joins San Diego Padres after standout KBO career

Sung-mun Song is a 29-year-old infielder from South Korea. He throws right-handed and bats left-handed. He will turn 30 years old in August 2026.

Most of his career has been spent at third base, though the Padres may test him at other infield spots during spring training in Peoria, Arizona, in February 2026.

Song spent his entire professional career with the Kiwoom Heroes before making the move to MLB. In August 2025, he signed a six-year extension with Kiwoom.

However, after the season ended, Sung-mun Song asked to be posted for MLB teams. That request was approved, opening the door for his move to the United States.

A Padres source told ESPN, “Sung-mun Song is a polished hitter. He plays the game hard and brings energy every night.” The Padres see him as a player who can help immediately, even if his role shifts during the season.

Sung-mun Song’s contract and numbers explain Padres’ interest

Contract details are still being finalized, but MLB insider Francys Romero reported that Sung-mun Song signed a three-year deal worth $13 million. The contract gives San Diego a low-risk option with upside while allowing Song time to adjust to MLB pitching.

Song’s numbers explain why teams were interested. In the 2024 KBO season, Sung-mun Song hit .340 with a .927 OPS.

He recorded 29 doubles, four triples, 19 home runs, 104 RBI, and 21 stolen bases. He followed that with another strong year in 2025, hitting .315 with a .917 OPS, 37 doubles, four triples, 26 home runs, 90 RBI, and 25 steals.

Speed is also part of his game. Over the past two seasons, Sung-mun Song successfully stole 46 bases in 48 attempts. One Padres scout said, “He runs smart. He doesn’t waste chances.”

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