Tampa Bay Rays Sign Ha-Seong Kim to Two-Year, $29 Million Deal

The Gold Glove-winning infielder is expected to take over at shortstop in May following recovery from shoulder surgery.

Ha-Seong Kim, 29, signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, including an opt-out after the first season.
Kim is recovering from shoulder surgery following a torn labrum suffered in August 2024 and is expected to return to play in May 2025.
The versatile infielder, who won a Gold Glove in 2023, is set to fill the shortstop position vacated by Wander Franco, who faces legal charges in the Dominican Republic.
Kim spent the last four seasons with the San Diego Padres, posting 15.3 WAR and excelling defensively across multiple infield positions.
The deal includes $2 million in performance-based incentives and positions Kim as the Rays' highest-paid player for 2025 with a $13 million salary.