Free Agent Poll: Ha-Seong Kim

I acquired in free agency an idea from Lone Star Ball. It isn’t the first time I’ve stolen from them. The idea is to go through some of the top free agents, use the contract FanGraphs suggests they will get and have a poll asking if we would like to sign him for that amount.

Ha-Seong Kim is number 17 on Keith Law’s list and number 8 on FanGraph’s list. It is fair to have a difference of opinion on a guy that we really haven’t seen play.

Craig Edwards figures he will get a 5-year, $60 million contract, getting him $12 million a season.

Kim is just 25. He’s played in the KBO since 2014, back when he was just 18. Career he .294/.373/.494 with 133 home runs and 134 steals in 890 games. This past season he hit .308/.399/.526 with 30 home runs and 23 steals (caught twice).

He’s played mostly shortstop over there.

Whether he be a shortstop over here is a good question. He’ll likely play third or perhaps fill a utility role. I’m not sure the Blue Jays need a guy who plays all over the infield. If they feel he is a average or better infielder he could be worth having. I’d take him over Villar or Panik.

From FanGraphs:

He is a 5-foot-9 stick of dynamite, a plus runner with a high-effort swing that features a big, dramatic leg kick and surprising pull-side power.

His ZiPS projection is good .274/.343/.470 for a wRC+ of 119. I’d take an infielder who could do that. Will he do that is another question.

But, he doesn’t turn 26 until next October. Kim is younger any of the other top free agents. Getting a guy going heading into his prime years is not a normal thing in free agency.