The Boston Red Sox mainly have been linked to starting pitchers this offseason but there is other work the team needs to do.
Boston’s biggest roster holes are in the rotation and at second base. The Red Sox likely will address the rotation in the coming days or weeks as the team hopefully lands one of the top free-agent starting pitchers. After that, Boston needs to improve the second base spot.
The Red Sox have been linked to multiple options in free agency already with the choice likely being three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield. There’s a chance the team decides to go the trade route, though, and one player who could be an option is San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim, according to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey.
“Kim, meanwhile, is also a right-handed hitter and is in the final year of a four-year, $28 million deal with a mutual option for 2025,” McCaffrey said. “Coming off a season in which he posted a .749 OPS and 110 OPS+, he could be another trade option for the Red Sox and one that would leave the door open for (Marcelo Mayer) and (Nick Yorke).
“The San Diego Padres are very much in transition. After trading Juan Soto and Trent Grisham, they likely could use outfield help and they’re also in the market for bullpen arms, particularly set-up men. The Red Sox seemingly could find a fit to bring Kim to Boston.”
Kim had arguably the best season of his young career so far in 2023 for the Padres as he earned his first Gold Glove Award. The 28-year-old also was very steady offensively finishing the season with 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 38 stolen bases, and a .260/.351/.398 slash line.
The Red Sox have one of the best farm systems in baseball and still a surplus in the outfield despite trading away Alex Verdugo already. Boston could get a deal done if it wants to.
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