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Padres Finalize Four-Year, $15 Million Deal With South Korean Infielder Song Sung-mun

The agreement includes options plus award-based escalators, with a $3 million posting fee due to Kiwoom.

Song Sung-mun of the San Diego Padres signs a Padres jersey for a fan at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 23, 2025. (Yonhap)
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – NOVEMBER 14: Sung Mun Song #24 of South Korea bats during the WBSC Premier12 Opening Round Group B game between Cuba and South Korea at Taipei Tianmu Baseball Stadium on November 14, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Gene Wang – Capture At Media/Getty Images)
South Korean baseball player Song Sung-mun poses in his new San Diego Padres jersey after signing a four-year deal with the club, in this photo provided by the Kiwoom Heroes, his former team, on Dec. 23, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Song Sung-mun of the San Diego Padres speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 23, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • San Diego formally announced the signing after the KBO’s 30-day posting window closed, and a source told Yonhap the contract had already been signed.
  • The pact guarantees $15 million with a $1 million signing bonus paid in two installments, salaries of $2.5M in 2026, $3M in 2027 and $3.5M in 2028, a $4M player option for 2029, and a $7M mutual option for 2030 with a $1M buyout.
  • Salary escalators add $1 million for a Rookie of the Year win the following season and $1 million annually for a top-five MVP finish in all remaining years.
  • Under the posting system, the Padres owe Kiwoom a $3 million release fee plus a supplemental 15% of any escalators that are triggered.
  • Song, a left-handed hitter who posted a .315/.387/.530 line with 26 homers and a Golden Glove at third in 2025, says his goal is to make the MLB roster as he prepares to play multiple infield spots; the club will provide an interpreter and airfare, and A. J. Preller said the team is supportive as he weighs World Baseball Classic participation.