Ha-Seong Kim

The Rays and infielder Ha-Seong Kim have agreed to a two-year, $29MM contract, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal includes an opt-out after the first season. More to come.

Infielder Ha-Seong Kim and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a two-year, $29 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources told ESPN.

Kim, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery, is reportedly expected to return to the field in May as the Rays' new shortstop.

Kim will reportedly get $29 million for the two-year pact. The 29-year-old also reportedly has as the ability to opt out of the deal after the 2025 season. Kim hit just 11 homers with a .700 OPS in 2024 before undergoing labrum surgery in August, but he's viewed as one of the best defenders up the middle in the sport, and his quality approach at the plate fits in well with the Tampa Bay lineup. He should be an everyday player for the Rays, but Mark Feinsand of MLB.com notes that the expectation is that Kim won't be ready until May.