Padres Gold Glove Winner On Trade Block; Mets Would Be Logical Landing Spot

New York could add another infielder

The New York Mets entered this offseason with a lot on their plate after a tumultuous 2023 season.

The club lost two of their top starters at last year's trade deadline and finished in fourth place in the National League East -- nine games back from playoff contention.

The club has made strides to retool the roster this winter but there's plenty of room for growth. A National League foe who is reportedly shopping a valuable asset would be an ideal trade candidate for the Mets to pursue.

"The San Diego Padres continue to shop valuable infielder Ha-Seong Kim, who earns $8 million in the final year of his contract, in their attempt to land pitching," USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Sunday.

Kim batted .260 with 40 extra-base hits including 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, and .749 OPS in 152 games played for the Padres last season.

The 28-year-old is a versatile talent who can hold down the positions of third base, shortstop, and second base at a high level.

The Korean infielder earned himself a Gold Glove award in 2023 after recording a .981 fielding percentage and 16 defensive runs saved while committing only seven errors throughout the whole season. 

After losing one of their top infield prospects to injury this winter, the Mets could benefit from taking on the final year of Kim's contract. The Mets might not have much pitching to trade, but they have the capital to sign Kim long-term and have a strong enough farm system to work out a deal.

Acquiring Kim would significantly bolster the Mets' infield and might be an ideal investment.

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