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Ha-Seong Kim is headed to Tampa Bay.
The Korean infielder signed a two-year, $29 million deal with the Rays on Wednesday, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
Kim could earn $2 million in plate appearance bonuses, which start at 325 trips to the box.
The contract includes an opt out after the 2025 season, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan,
Kim, 29, played each of his first four seasons in the big leagues with the Padres after coming overseas on a four-year, $28 million deal before the 2021 season.
He will be sidelined until May after undergoing shoulder surgery in October, but is “slated to take over at shortstop” for Tampa Bay upon his return, Passan wrote.
In 2024, Kim was limited to just 121 games with injuries, hitting .233/.330/.370 with 11 home runs.
Kim has proven to be a valuable all-around player with strong base running and an excellent glove across the infield, stealing 78 bases in four seasons and winning the 2023 Gold Glove at the utility spot.
He had the best year of his career that season, putting up 5.8 bWAR and finishing 14th in the National League MVP voting for the Padres.
Kim will fill a hole at shortstop for the Rays left by Wander Franco, who was formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic in July.
Franco, who was once considered one of the best young players in baseball, hasn’t played since 2023.
The Rays went 80-82 in 2024, finishing below .500 for the first time since 2017.
