The New York Yankees have a few holes to fill on their roster this winter, but the main focus is on superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Whether they bring Soto back or not will determine the entirety of their offseason.
Besides Soto, the Yankees need to replace Anthony Rizzo at first base, Gleyber Torres at second base while also adding pitching all around.
FanSided's Jacob Mountz seems to have found the perfect player for the Yankees to pursue. He's only projected to sign a three-year, $24 million deal as well. It's international free agent Hye-Seong Kim, not to be confused with San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Mountz recently urged the Yankees to pursue the Korean infielder.
"Hyeseong Kim is regarded as one of, if not, the top defender in Korea. Kim has won the past three KBO Golden Gloves with the winners in 2024 yet to be announced. This would be a welcome move for the Yankees since their defense this past season left a lot to be desired," Mountz wrote. "There isn't any way of telling how the MLB will impact his stellar numbers, but if he can manage an OBP of .350 or more and steal bases at his usual rate, he can be a real game-changer for the Bronx Bombers."
Kim hit .326 with 41 extra-base hits including 11 home runs, 75 RBIs and 30 stolen bases in 127 games for the Kiwoom Heroes in 2024.
The idea of adding him, especially for a price less than $10 million a year, would make a lot of sense for the Yankees. This idea becomes increasingly likely if the Yankees sign Soto back, handicapping their spending quite a bit for the rest of the roster.
Everything changes if New York misses on Soto. They likely look for an expensive, proven infielder rather than taking a shot on a cheaper option. Either way, it's an interesting player to look into.
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