MLB Insider Says Padres Could Consider Trading Ha-Seong Kim for Right Price

Every player is available for the right price.

Infielder Ha-Seong Kim put together a very solid season for the San Diego Padres in 2023, and the team is hoping for more production from him next year. But there is a chance that they could leverage his strong season and move him now while his value is high.

MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic is reporting that the Padres could look into moving Kim this offseason, if they are offered the right deal.

"Unfortunately for the Red Sox, San Diego is not looking to move him since he will make only $8 million next year. However, every player is available at the right trade price, and if the Red Sox were willing to offer second base prospect Nick Yorke and a controllable starting pitcher who could help the Padres right now, such as Tanner Houck, perhaps Preller would consider it."

Per Jim Bowden of The Athletic

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has been known for his aggressiveness over the years, and moving one of the team's more valuable players would certainly fall under that category. San Diego is open for business after the rough year that they just had, so anything goes for them this winter.

Last season, Kim hit .260 with 17 home runs and 60 runs batted in. He also added in 38 stolen bases on the year. 

He was one of their more consistent players throughout the year, so moving him would be a tough sell to the fanbase. But the Padres are in the business of winning and if Preller believes that a trade of Kim would help them win more games, it'll happen.

While it remains unlikely that Kim will get traded, never say never. Stranger things have happened in baseball history and the Padres are feeling the pressure this offseason.