The New York Yankees are in need of a third baseman, and one prediction suggests they could sign Ha-Seong Kim to fill the role.
Kim, who recently completed a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres, is a versatile infielder capable of playing multiple positions. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. likely shifting to second base, this opens up a spot at third for the Yankees.
Colin Cerniglia of YardBarker predicts the Yankees will pursue Kim in free agency, making him their starting third baseman. While Kim’s bat doesn’t turn heads with a .242 career average, his defensive skills are exceptional, and he posted an impressive 6.9 fWAR in 2023-24. His versatility and glove make him a valuable addition, and Cerniglia believes signing Kim would address two issues for the Yankees at once—shifting Chisholm to second and securing a steady hand at third.
Kim’s offense may be modest, as he hit .233 last season with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs, but his defensive prowess would be a significant asset to the Yankees.
What Kim Could Expect in Free Agency Kim is recovering from shoulder surgery that kept him out of the playoffs, and his availability to start the 2025 season is uncertain. He’s a plus defender at shortstop, second base, and third base, offering flexibility for teams looking to strengthen their infield. MLBTradeRumors predicts Kim could sign a one-year, $12 million deal to rebuild his value before potentially cashing in on a longer contract for 2026.
Ha-Seong Kim
While there are questions about his recovery, some teams might be willing to overlook his rehab process, especially if they feel comfortable with his medical outlook. A short-term deal with performance incentives could help Kim regain his form, setting him up for a better contract next year.
What About DJ LeMahieu? If the Yankees decide against signing Kim or another third baseman, they could opt to have DJ LeMahieu start at third. LeMahieu has dealt with injuries over the past two seasons, but MLB insider Jon Heyman believes the Yankees could give him another shot at third if he regains his health.
LeMahieu is entering the fifth year of his six-year, $90 million deal. In 2024, he played just 64 games, hitting .204 with 2 home runs and 26 RBIs, but if healthy, he could offer stability at the position.
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