SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners just sent shockwaves through the baseball world.
In a jaw-dropping move late Thursday night, the Mariners finalized a blockbuster trade for Gold Glove infielder Ha-Seong Kim, acquiring the elite Korean star from the San Diego Padres in exchange for a package of prospects. Kim, 28, arrives in Seattle with a gleaming defensive reputation, a fiery bat, and a fresh $36 million extension that locks him in through 2027.
And just like that, Seattle may have built the best defensive middle infield in all of baseball.
Kim will join forces with Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford, forming a slick-fielding, highlight-reel-worthy combo up the middle that promises to frustrate opposing hitters all season long. Mariners fans—this is not a drill.
The New Gold Standard
Crawford, a Gold Glove winner himself and team leader, has long been the anchor of Seattle’s infield. But adding Kim—who led all National League infielders in defensive runs saved in 2023—takes the Mariners’ defense to another dimension.
“This is game-changing,” said Mariners GM Justin Hollander. “We wanted to double down on elite defense and speed, and Ha-Seong checks every box. He’s a difference-maker.”
Kim is coming off a breakout season in which he hit .265 with 17 home runs and 38 stolen bases, all while playing plus defense at second, short, and third. His versatility gives manager Scott Servais incredible flexibility, though early reports suggest Kim will take over second base full-time—slotting right next to Crawford.
From Seoul to Seattle—With Swagger
Ha-Seong Kim’s journey from KBO superstar to MLB gold glover has been a story of perseverance and polish. After some initial growing pains in San Diego, Kim blossomed into one of the league’s most valuable infielders by 2023. Mariners fans can expect infectious energy, clutch at-bats, and no shortage of web gems.
He’s also a proven postseason performer—exactly the kind of player the Mariners need as they chase their first World Series appearance in franchise history.
Mariners Make Their Intentions Clear
This move isn’t just about defense. It’s a signal. The Mariners aren’t rebuilding—they’re going for it.
With stars like Julio Rodríguez, George Kirby, and now the Kim-Crawford duo, Seattle is doubling down on a roster built to win now and dominate for years.
Pairing elite pitching with an airtight defense and underrated offensive upside? That’s the blueprint. And the Mariners are executing it to perfection.
What’s Next?
Seattle isn’t done yet. With the Winter Meetings looming, insiders say the club is also eyeing a power bat to plug into the middle of the lineup. But for now, Mariners fans have every reason to celebrate.
Ha-Seong Kim is here. The infield is locked down. And the AL West? It just got a lot more interesting.
Welcome to Seattle, Ha-Seong. Let the gold rush begin