The San Francisco Giants’ free agent target is undergoing surgery and is aiming for an early return

The San Francisco Giants are in offseason mode and first need to find a general manager. With the postseason in full swing, free agency isn’t quite open yet, so the full focus is on rounding out the front office. But that doesn’t mean they don’t keep an eye on what happens to the players they target. One of those names they have been linked to is Ha-Seong Kim, who has been busy.

Kim recently changed his representation and brought in Scott Boras, who the Giants became very familiar with last offseason. The super agent represented two of their free agent signings, Blake Snell and Matt Chapman.

The news doesn’t end there for the Gold Glove infielder.

Kim’s season ended prematurely after she was placed on the injured list due to a shoulder injury. He then had labrum surgery on Thursday and now there appears to be a timetable for his return.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the infielder is targeting a mid-April or May return, meaning he shouldn’t miss too much time next season.

This is big news for Kim. He has a mutual option in his contract that he is expected to decline and enter free agency after four seasons with the San Diego Padres. This could have been seen as a risky move after his season ended prematurely, but the news that he will be available sooner rather than later should make things easier.

Kim, a wizard with the glove at shortstop, hit .233/.330/.370 offensively with 16 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 47 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in 121 games in 2024.

Although Kim isn’t considered a bat-first shortstop, he still holds his own on the field and even posted 5.8 bWAR in 2023, making him incredibly valuable.

He has always been linked to San Francisco since the signing of his compatriot and good friend Jung Hoo Lee. The two were teammates in the World Baseball Classic.

Kim would be a big improvement to the infield in 2025, especially on defense. Tyler Fitzgerald, who played shortstop for the Giants in 2024, had outs above average in the 32nd percentile. In comparison, Kim’s OAA was in the 85th percentile.

The 28-year-old could easily slide in and become the team’s everyday shortstop if they move Tyler Fitzgerald to second base if they want to keep his bat in the lineup.

It’s not quite free reign yet, but we can expect to hear Kim’s name more often.