Overview
- Manager Craig Stammen said the team could try Song in the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup, even though he has never played there professionally.
- The Padres signed the 29-year-old KBO standout to a four-year, $15 million contract following consecutive surge seasons, including a 25-homer, 25-steal campaign.
- Song has extensive experience at third, second and first base, but with Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth in place, he profiles as a utility or DH option.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill and Ramón Laureano currently anchor the outfield, making any outfield reps for Song likely limited or experimental.
- Evaluators praise Song’s defensive versatility but are cautious about his offensive translation to MLB, and reported trade talk involving Cronenworth could alter his infield path.