MLB Hot Stove Noontime Lunch: The San Diego Padres will look different in 2024, Ha-seong Kim becomes first Korean player to win a Gold Glove
The San Diego Padres season didn’t exactly go to plan with a loaded roster and an even bigger payroll. Despite the down year and the offseason uncertainty as to what they’ll look like in 2024, not all was lost for the Friars.
Infielder Ha-seong Kim became the first Korean born player to win a National Gold Glove award out of the utility spot. That spot was officially recognized back in 2022 for each respective league.
“The whole Asian baseball community and young kids are watching me and playing that position and thinking about coming over here,” Kim said through interpreter Leo Bae. “Obviously, it’s a great personal achievement, but also I’ll be happier just to show kids in Asia that they can play infield and they can dream about coming over here. Because there’s a lot of doubts, like that Asian infielders have a low success rate in the big leagues. Just being that person to have them keep their dream, that’s the most important thing for me.”
Kim becomes the second Asian-born player to win this award. The other was Mariners get Ichiro Suzuki, who was a 10-time winner in right field.
Kim’s teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. won the Gold Glove award as a right fielder this season.
The Padres moved Kim off shortstop after signing Xander Bogaerts in the offseason. Kim offers the San Diego versatility, he played 98 games at second base, 29 at third base and 16 at shortstop last season.
“I feel like winning a Gold Glove as a utility is probably more valuable,” Kim said in September. “It means you can play multiple positions at the Gold Glove level.”
Xander Bogaerts to be trade bait in the offseason?
The Padres signed former Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts to a massive 11-year, $280 million deal last winter. A move that shocked the baseball world due to the term of the contract and dollars given out.
After one season at shortstop, the Padres are considering moving Bogaerts off the position in favor of top prospect Jackson Merrill.
"Some team officials would like to see Bogaerts move to first base or second base next season, with Kim back at shortstop and Merrill eventually claiming a super-utility job if he does not settle in at one spot," The Atheltic’s Dennis Lin reported.
San Diego could slide Bogaerts over to second base in favor of Merrill. The former Sox’ shortstop hasn’t played another position outside of shortstop since he spent time over at third base back in 2014.
There’s also speculation that the Padres will look to trade Bogaerts this winter in their efforts of reducing payroll. San Diego is looking to slash payroll down to $200 million after reportedly taking a $50 million load to cover payroll.
"If (the Padres) have to make some tough decisions, GMs say, they wouldn’t be surprised to see the Padres dangle shortstop Xander Bogaerts and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. in creative deals to avoid trading (Juan) Soto," USA Today's Bob Nightengale wrote Sunday.
With Merrill on the verge of the majors and the talented Kim on their roster, the Padres could see what Bogaerts could fetch in trade negotiations. If they were to move his massive contract, it goes without saying the Padres will need to eat a portion.
Padres still deciding on their next manager
The Padres are still looking for a new manager after allowing Bob Melvin to walk away and take the vacant role with the Giants.
San Diego was said to be interested in now Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. Their search for a new skipper will pivot to reportedly three finalists for the job.
Former Cardinals manager Mike Shildt, Ryan Flaherty and Angels infield coach Benji Gil have all interviewed for Melvin’s old job. The San Diego Tribune is reporting that Shildt is the favorite to land the job. Flaherty has been a favorite for general manager A.J. Preller and is also strongly in the mix.
Preller is very unpredictable in his actions, he could throw a curveball and opt for a completely different candidate.
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