New Giants OF Jung-Hoo Lee Wants to Play Alongside Padres' Ha-Seong Kim

Could the Padres move on from another player?

San Francisco Giants newly acquired star Korean outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee appears to already have his eyes set on who he would like to see join him this year.

As rumors have circulated around San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim, it appears his former World Baseball Classic teammate wouldn't mind joining forces together in the Bay Area.

Q. On KBO ex-teammate Ha-Seong Kim's trade rumors out of San Diego
A. It'd be great to play on the same team again. But we'll see what happens. He's the first one I called after I signed. He told me I'll get to play for a great manager.

— Jeeho Yoo (@Jeeho_1) December 19, 2023

If the Padres are willing to listen to offers for Kim, the possibility of him going to San Francisco could be likely as he was not only teammates with Lee, but his former manager Bob Melvin is now running the show in the Giants' clubhouse for the next three years.

Kim signed a four-year deal for $28 million to play with the Padres coming into the 2021 MLB season. During that time, he has been a key part of the lineup with his ability to platoon across third base, shortstop, and second base, and having an above-average glove.

Since his arrival to the Padres in 2021, Kim has improved each season. Right now, he is coming off his best year yet as he hit .260 with 17 home runs and 60 runs batted in. He also is coming off a career year for stolen bases as he finished last year with 38, stealing over 30 bags for the first time in his MLB career.

During their time together in the WBC, the Korean Baseball team placed third in Pool B. 

Kim's performance on the field for team Korea was impressive as he had an OPS of 1.028.

Lee caught the WBC by storm, slashing .429/.500/.571 with an OPS of 1.071 and logging five RBIs.

It's unclear whether the Padres would be open to trading their versatile superstar, but Lee clearly has his eyes set on playing with Kim. This definitely makes things look even worse for the Padres, who wanted Lee and had many experts believing they would ultimately land him before he signed with San Francisco.