As Deadline Nears, New Teams Have Reportedly Emerged as Threats For Mariners Target Hye-Seong Kim

The M's are hoping to land the Korean infielder this offseason, but with just hours to go until the deadline for his posting passes, there's increased competition.

A view of a Seattle Mariners batting helmet and logo during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field in 2022. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On Thursday, we got a flimsy report out of Korea that indicated infielder Hye-Seong Kim was going to sign with the Seattle Mariners.

On Friday, with just hours to go until his posting deadline passes, there is another report which indicates the Mariners still have stiff competition for his services.

Per the "X" account "KBO in English:"

BREAKING

Kim Hye-seong update

According to the Sunday Newspaper, a Korean newspaper outlet

Kim has received offers from
SEA
LAA
LAD
SD
CHI

Offer is lower than expected (perhaps closer to 10M) though he is still expected to come to the MLB

🚨BREAKING

Kim Hye-seong update

According to the Sunday Newspaper, a Korean newspaper outlet

Kim has received offers from
SEA
LAA
LAD
SD
CHI

Offer is lower than expected (perhaps closer to 10M) though he is still expected to come to the MLB pic.twitter.com/701GAoZK7q

— KBO in English (@KBO_ENG) January 3, 2025

We knew that the Mariners, Padres and Angels had offered Kim, but the inclusion of the Dodgers and Cubs is noteable and new.

For the Mariners, Kim seems like a must-have this offseason. He has an interesting skillset, given that he's a solid defender and runs well. His age (25) is also desirable, and while there are questions about his offensive profile, the Mariners are in need of any major league caliber talent this offseason. They have not made one single major league move, and the fanbase is growing restless.

If Kim really does sign with Seattle, he figures to solidify the team's need at second base. The Mariners declined their $12 million option on Jorge Polanco at the outset of the offseason, leading to the hole. Given the money mentioned above, if the M's are able to land him, they should have enough money left over to make upgrades at either first or third base, both of which would still be immediate needs.

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