Yankees urged to make 'shrewd gamble' and sign injured $49 million infielder

The New York Yankees let Gleyber Torres walk in free agency and could be looking for an upgrade over their internal options to replace him. They could target a Gold Glover to solidify their infield.

Ha-seong Kim is still a free agent, likely due to his injury. He will likely not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing shoulder surgery at the end of last season. FanSided's Rucker Haringey urged the Yankees to sign Kim and round out their infield.

"The downside to signing Ha-Seong Kim is that he almost certainly won't be ready to play on Opening Day due to injury," wrote Haringey. "The Yankees are a team that can afford to wait on him to be an impact player whenever he's ready to take the field. Kim isn't a power hitter that will make fans forget about Soto but he can be an ideal leadoff hitter to set the table for Aaron Judge and company via the leadoff spot in the order. He also possesses the speed required to threaten opponents on the basepaths."

Kim won a Gold Glove in 2022 as a utility player. He could give the Yankees the flexibility to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base or simply play the position himself. Kim is projected to sign a four-year, $49 million deal. However, as Opening Day inches closer, Kim could end up signing a shorter deal and prove himself before trying his luck in free agency again next year.

"Kim's injury status should depress his market which could see him landing inside the Yankees' price range," wrote Haringey. "This is the kind of financial move New York should make to flex some fiscal muscle. The Yankees aren't in the Dodgers stratosphere when it comes to salary structure but they still have an advantage over the vast majority of baseball. Signing Kim would be a shrewd gamble by the franchise."

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