Competition increases as Mariners' deadline for latest free agent target looms

The Mariners have been linked to several infield free agents this offseason. From Gleyber Torres to Pete Alonso, many names have been pitched by fans to bolster the weakest part of the team's lineup. Realistically, Seattle is likely targeting someone that is far more affordable than the current players taking up space in the rumor mill, and KBP standout Hyeseong Kim fits the profile well enough for the team to have been in serious pursuit of his services this week. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones.

It now seems that the Mariners are just one of five suitors that have made serious offers before Kim's decision deadline, which hits later today. The other four clubs that have reportedly made offers are the Angels, Dodgers, Padres, and Cubs. Originally believed to be limited to a West Coast market, the Cubs reportedly threw their hat in the ring at the last second, a move that was potentially driven by their other infield pursuits being recently stymied by their cross-town rival.

The Padres and Dodgers are obvious fits. The Padres will likely lose their star shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to free agency this offseason, while the Dodgers are always looking for more tools to add roster depth. Of all of the teams listed above, the Angels are the furthest from playoff contention, having won just 63 games in 2024. However, after signing Yusei Kikuchi to kickstart the free agent pitcher market, they have remained active in trades and in the mix for other roster moves.

Mariners among final five for Hyeseong Kim

On the bright side, it doesn't seem like money will be the difference-maker here. The offers are reportedly lower than expected and closer to the $10 million mark, an amount even the Mariners can pony up. Thus, it will likely come down to the less tangible qualities of being part of a team that will end up tipping Kim's decision to one side or another. Does he want to be a small fish in a big pond like Los Angeles or San Diego? Does he want to be a part of a pennant chase with Seattle or Chicago? Does he want to live close to Disneyland in Anaheim?

Only he and his agent ultimately know what factors he'll weigh most heavily, as his market has been a near-total mystery as its conclusion looms. Unlike fellow international free agent Roki Sasaki, much of Kim's posting process has been reported in Korean without translation to English. With less upside and pure pedigree, it makes sense that there would be less interest in the minutiae of where he'll make his MLB debut, but Seattle can't afford to let this opportunity slip through their fingers, especially if they want to remain competitive in 2025.