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Hyeseong Kim, the 25-year-old infielder from the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), is set to become one of the most intriguing names in this MLB offseason. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Kim is expected to be posted for Major League teams on Wednesday, starting a 30-day window for the second baseman to negotiate and sign with an MLB franchise.
Seattle Mariners, among others, have already expressed significant interest in the dynamic player, who could help address their persistent offensive struggles.
Kim’s KBO Success: A Star on the Rise
Kim enjoyed a stellar 2024 season with the Kiwoom Heroes, hitting .326 with an .841 OPS, 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 90 runs scored in 127 games. His performance showcased not only his offensive prowess but also his consistency at the plate, attributes highly sought after in MLB.
At 25 years old, Kim is entering his prime and brings a well-rounded skill set to the table. His combination of hitting ability, defensive versatility, and base-running prowess makes him a coveted player for teams looking to strengthen their infield.
Seattle Mariners’ Interest in Hyeseong Kim
The Seattle Mariners have emerged as one of the frontrunners for Kim’s services. Their need for offensive help, particularly in the infield, aligns perfectly with Kim’s skill set.
Last season, Seattle’s offense struggled mightily, hitting just .224 as a team and ranking 10th in the American League in runs scored (676). The Mariners also have a glaring vacancy at second base after buying out Jorge Polanco’s team option, leaving them in desperate need of a productive infielder.
Kim could be the answer to Seattle’s problems, adding depth and reliability to a team that has been competitive but hasn’t yet broken through for a deep playoff run.
Mariners’ Recent Struggles and the Need for a Turnaround
Despite winning between 85-90 games in each of the past four seasons, Seattle has managed just one postseason appearance, a 2022 Wild Card win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Their 2024 campaign ended with 85 wins, narrowly missing the playoffs after fading late in the season.
The Mariners have shown a willingness to bolster their roster, as evidenced by their midseason acquisitions of Randy Arozarena, Victor Robles, and Justin Turner. However, those moves fell short of lifting the team to October success. Signing Kim could provide the spark Seattle needs to solidify their playoff aspirations.
Kim’s Market: Who Else Could Be Interested?
Kim’s talent isn’t going unnoticed, and he’s expected to attract interest from several MLB teams. Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors speculated that teams like the Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Milwaukee Brewers could also pursue the infielder.
While Seattle’s need and early interest in Kim make them a strong contender, competition for his signature will likely be fierce.
What Kim Could Bring to MLB
Hyeseong Kim’s potential signing goes beyond just filling a positional need. His high batting average, on-base skills, and ability to make consistent contact could transform an MLB lineup. His defensive versatility also adds value, as he can play multiple infield positions with ease.
For the Mariners, or any other team that secures his services, Kim represents an opportunity to inject youth, energy, and productivity into their roster.
Conclusion: A Key Offseason Name to Watch
Hyeseong Kim’s posting is poised to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the MLB offseason. As the 30-day signing window begins, all eyes will be on teams like the Mariners to see if they can land the KBO star.
For Seattle, adding Kim could be the missing piece to finally unlock their postseason potential. However, with several other teams likely in the mix, it remains to be seen where Kim will make his MLB debut.
