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The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2024 but have a clear need at shortstop. They could look to free agency to try and fill the position before Opening Day.
While listing the top 20 free agents and predicting where they would sign, FanSided's Nick Villano predicted that the Dodgers would sign San Diego Padres Ha-Seong Kim in free agency.
"This shows just how premium a position shortstop is. Ha Seong Kim had a down season, and his season ended early due to a shoulder injury. However, Kim was great in 2023, and teams will be more than willing to bet on his talent for a future contract," wrote Villano. "He had a 5.8 WAR last season, but he fell to 2.6 this past season."
Kim won a Gold Glove Award in 2023 as a utility player. He declined a $7 million mutual option for 2025. Spotrac projects him to sign a four-year, $49 million deal in free agency. Kim had a down season in 2024 and missed time after a labrum injury. He had a .233 batting average and hit 11 home runs in 121 games. He may not actually be an upgrade, but could provide consistency at the position.
In 2024 the Dodgers started out with Mookie Betts playing shortstop. He returned to right field after a return from the injured list. Miguel Rojas, Tommy Edman and Kike Hernández all spent time playing shortstop in 2024.
"The reason the Los Angeles Dodgers can pay players like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani these insane deals is because they make the right decisions around the edges," wrote Villano. "They have a really tough decision themselves at shortstop, but if they take a downgrade there but save on the contract by a ton, it gives them the flexibility to keep spending elsewhere."
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