To match the Dodgers' Japanese firepower, the Yankees are expected to spend $49 million for a Korean Golden Glover.

MLB Rumors: To match the Dodgers' Japanese firepower, the Yankees are expected to spend $49 million for a Korean Golden Glover.

Asians are flooding MLB. It was time for the Yankees to turn to the Korean 2B for more defensive strength after the Japanese three signed with the Dodgers. The Yankees need someone who can check both offense and defense because they parted ways with their longtime favorite 2B, Gleyber Torres. Ha-Seong Kim is now in the picture! Indeed, it is anticipated that the former Padres infielder will join the Bronx Bombers. 

Kim has shown himself to be a valuable asset in both the MLB and KBO Leagues, and the Yankees are seeking his versatility. His defensive prowess is demonstrated by his Golden Globe Award. 

Well, Kim missed the Padres' postseason run in 2024 due to a slew of injuries. But after playing 124 games, he finished with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. He demonstrated his abilities as a second baseman by hitting at.233,.330, and.370. With three Golden Gloves, his performance at KBO is even more outstanding. Therefore, it is true that Ha-Seong Kim can give the team he plays for stability at 2B. However, he is undoubtedly expensive given this statistic, isn't he?

No! Despite this statistic, Kim's estimated price is still less than what Torres, the former Yankees star, receives from his new deal. 

According to projections, the Yankees can acquire Kim for $49 million over four seasons, or around $12.3 million annually. For $15 million, Torres signed a contract with the Tigers. Kim made a strong case in the free agency market! Kim's ability to play both 2B and 3B is enhanced by this. Kim has reportedly played both 2B and 3B for the Padres and KBO. That's a pretty excellent prospect!

Surprisingly, Kim outperformed Torres last year despite having a lower asking price. How? Despite playing 33 fewer games than Torres, his WAR of 2.6 is still impressive when compared to the latter's 1.8.

Thus, that is plenty for Kim to attract the interest of elite teams like the Yankees. Ha-Seong Kim has the potential to be a valuable member of any squad if his injury is adequately treated. 

The Yankees are searching for a dependable 2B who can play a variety of spots after cutting Torres. Additionally, someone who will be able to go to base and run where Kim makes the most sense. Yes, Ha-Seong Kim may not be a name the Yankees need to compete with the Dodgers' all-star team, but his abilities may be useful.  

The Dodgers are here with their Japanese pitchers, and the Yankees can outshine them with Kim's defense consistency, which is second only to Aaron Judge. Therefore, the Yankees can benefit more from Kim's adaptability than from choosing well-known players.

Kim, however, is linked to Scott Boras, who is responsible for some of the most ludicrous MLB transactions. Thus, even if Kim is expected to join the Yankees, other teams may make the higher asking price a problem. 

Additionally, Kim's playing consistency may be impacted by injuries, so the Yankees must once more carefully manage Ha-Seong Kim. Kim might be the Yankees' newest response to the Dodgers once all of these are verified. 

However, given the Dodgers' signing frenzy, the Yankees cannot afford to engage in panic buying. A few wise choices, like Kim, can have a significant impact on them. It remains to be seen if this prediction comes to pass, but if it does, Yankees supporters can wager that Ha-Seong Kim will defeat the Dodgers this season.