Finding a new shortstop is at the top of the Dodgers’ wishlist this offseason. They exercised their club option to keep Miguel Rojas on the bench as backup, but signs indicate that they’ll keep Tommy Edman in center field next season.
News of Mookie Betts’ move back to the infield might mean that they’ll give him another shot at shortstop if they can’t find a replacement on the market (even though we’re begging them not to do that), but rumors suggest that the Dodgers are going to be aggressive about signing a free agent to take over instead.
LA has reportedly already made an offer to Willy Adames, who will be one of the most sought-after position players this offseason and who the Dodgers have coveted for years.
However, they’ll have steep competition there, and they shouldn’t forget that other viable options out there before trying to reinstall Betts at shortstop.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicted that a familiar foe in Ha-Seong Kim would move up the road in free agency and sign with the Dodgers for one year and $14 million.
Kim comes with a few caveats (declining play, injury), but he could be an option for LA if their Adames chase falls short.
Bleacher Report names Dodgers as landing spot for free agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim
Kim’s season was cut short by a labrum injury that he underwent surgery to treat in September, and he batted just .233 with a .700 OPS in the 121 games he played before going onto the IL. He declined his end of an $8 million mutual option with the Padres to go into free agency.
Although Kim probably would’ve preferred that his free agency come immediately after the MVP-caliber, Gold Glove-winning season he had in 2023, there’s still upside here
. Despite his decline at the plate this year, he still ended up grading out as a far above-average defensive player.
He’d also come significantly cheaper than Adames, who is probably looking at a six-year, $150 million+ contract as one of the better position players on the market.
Kim’s value has been impacted by his shoulder issue and he’d come to the Dodgers with the risk that he won’t bounce back well, but his elite plate discipline and speed make him a useful piece in the bottom half of the order.
Although Kim would certainly be a consolation prize if Adames comes off the board, the Dodgers would still end up with a lot to work with (and they’d drive some Padres fans crazy while they were at it).
