Mariners Rumors: Hyeseong Kim market narrows to select few teams

It hasn't been much more than lumps of coal this Christmas for Seattle Mariners fans. While other organizations have been active in reinventing their rosters to compete in 2025, Seattle has remained passive. Other than a few minor-league deals, the only move they've made recently has been to pick up a new catcher off of waivers from the Blue Jays.

Hopefully, this is the result of the front office waiting to make the right move rather than a conscious effort to keep payroll low, but what if the team could get their hands on a player that would improve the offense without doing the same to the budget?

With his deadline to sign a little less than a week away, it has been reported that there are three teams that have expressed the most interest in bringing Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim aboard. The Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, and Mariners are currently the reported frontrunners. But why would the Mariners be interested in him over the other available options in the infield?

Kim has spent his entire professional career with the Kiwoom Heroes (formerly known as the Nexen Heroes) in the KBO. Over his eight seasons, he has slashed .304/.364/.403 while stealing 211 bases. He's also an outstanding defensive middle infielder and is the only player in KBO history to win the Golden Glove award at both second base and shortstop. Given his credentials, it's no surprise he caused quite the stir when it was announced that he would be posted this offseason. Furthermore, MLBTradeRumors projected him to sign for just $24 million over three years, a cheap contract for even the Mariners' tight pursestrings.

So the front office is likely fixated on Kim as a free agent for a few reasons. First and most obviously, the team is in need of an infield reinvention. After declining Jorge Polanco's $12 million option and non-tendering Josh Rojas, the Mariners will be without two of last year's starters. Kim's ability to play any position in the middle infield helps fill the existing gap at second base while also giving him the opportunity to substitute for JP Crawford in the event of further injury complications. Second, they're severely lacking bat-to-ball skills. The team's cumulative batting average of .224 was 29th in MLB and only three players (Victor Robles, Julio Rodríguez, and Justin Turner) batted above .250 individually.

Kim will have to sign by Jan. 3 5:00 p.m. ET, and if he doesn't find a deal by then he'll return to the KBO for the 2025 season. If he decides to try coming to MLB in 2026, he'll no longer be subject to the posting system. Mariners fans have been begging for the team to do something ... anything to give them hopes of a successful season in 2025. While other teams are committing to record-setting contracts with exceptional talents, Seattle has yet to move the first piece on their board.