Report: Giants ‘most interested’ in signing free-agent shortstop Kim

Report: Giants ‘most interested’ in signing free-agent shortstop Kim originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants appear to have their sights set on one of the top free agents this offseason.

San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is generating “lots of interest” in free agency, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Wednesday, citing a source. Feinsand also reported, citing another source, that the Giants are focused on signing Kim and are the team “most interested” in the 29-year-old.

San Francisco, as new president of baseball operations Buster Posey mentioned Tuesday at the general manager meetings in San Antonio, is looking to add a shortstop this offseason.

Kim, who was a star in the KBO, signed with San Diego before the 2021 MLB season and has been one of the Padres’ most consistent and versatile players ever since.

However, in a down season shortened by a shoulder injury, Kim hit just .233/.330/.370 with 11 home runs, 47 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 121 games.

Kim is a solid defender who can play shortstop, third base and second base, and also has plus speed on the bases that Posey and the Giants likely will covet, stealing a career-high 38 bases in 2022.

San Francisco also could have interest in free-agent shortstop Willy Adames, who will be one of the best hitters on the open market this winter and likely will land a larger contract than Kim.

With the offseason officially underway, it should not be long before either market begins to heat up.

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