The Yankees’ Second Base Conundrum: Evaluating Ha-Seong Kim as a Potential Replacement for Gleyber Torres
The New York Yankees face a critical decision regarding their second base position as Gleyber Torres’s future with the team remains uncertain. Despite Torres’s public desire to remain in pinstripes, the prevailing sentiment suggests a departure is imminent. This leaves the Yankees with a significant void to fill, a challenge that General Manager Brian Cashman must address strategically. Two primary avenues exist: promoting an internal candidate or acquiring a player through free agency or trade. Among the potential external solutions, San Diego Padres’ infielder Ha-Seong Kim has emerged as a compelling option, offering a distinct skill set that contrasts with Torres’s profile.
Ha-Seong Kim presents a compelling alternative to Gleyber Torres, primarily due to his superior defensive prowess. While Torres boasts greater offensive potential, his defensive liabilities have become increasingly apparent. Kim, a Gold Glove Award winner in 2023, offers a significant upgrade in the field, a factor that holds immense value in the modern game. His defensive metrics, specifically his Outs Above Average (OAA), paint a stark contrast with Torres. Kim recorded a +4 OAA in 2024, primarily at shortstop, while Torres registered a -4 OAA at second base. This disparity underscores Kim’s defensive impact and highlights the potential improvement he could bring to the Yankees’ infield.
Beyond his defensive excellence, Kim possesses a respectable offensive profile, albeit less explosive than Torres. His career .706 OPS demonstrates an ability to contribute offensively, providing a balanced skill set. While not a power hitter, Kim’s contact-oriented approach and ability to get on base are valuable assets. His offensive production, coupled with his elite defense, makes him a well-rounded player, a desirable attribute for any contending team. Kim’s versatility further enhances his appeal. His experience at second base, shortstop, and third base provides the Yankees with valuable flexibility in their infield configuration.
The potential acquisition of Kim opens up various strategic possibilities for the Yankees. He could directly replace Torres at second base, solidifying the position defensively while maintaining a respectable offensive presence. Alternatively, he could slot in at third base, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift to second base, further optimizing the team’s defensive alignment. This flexibility gives the Yankees options to address other potential roster needs and maximize their overall defensive performance. Kim’s versatility also provides valuable insurance against injuries, allowing the team to cover multiple positions with a single player.
The financial implications of acquiring Kim are also a crucial consideration. Spotrac projects a four-year, $49 million contract, a figure that represents a significant investment. However, given Kim’s age (29) and his well-rounded skill set, this contract could prove to be a valuable expenditure. The cost must be weighed against the potential benefits of upgrading the team’s defense and adding a versatile player to the infield. The Yankees must carefully evaluate the long-term financial implications and determine if Kim’s acquisition aligns with their overall budget and roster construction strategy.
The decision regarding Gleyber Torres and the subsequent pursuit of Ha-Seong Kim represents a pivotal moment for the Yankees. While Torres possesses offensive upside, his defensive deficiencies have become a glaring weakness. Kim offers a compelling alternative, providing elite defense, respectable offense, and valuable positional versatility. The Yankees must carefully weigh the costs and benefits of each player and make a strategic decision that aligns with their long-term goals. This decision will significantly impact the team’s defensive performance and overall roster construction, making it a critical juncture in their pursuit of a championship.
