The Boston Red Sox appear to have the foundational pieces for their infield heading into Opening Day, but the team recognizes that additional support could mitigate injury concerns and maximize potential. With current players featuring a mix of talent and injury-proneness, strategic acquisitions through trades or free-agent signings may be essential.
One possible addition could be Ha-Seong Kim, a 30-year-old infielder from South Korea, who has experience playing with the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, and Atlanta Braves. Throughout his five seasons in Major League Baseball, Kim has showcased versatility by appearing at shortstop, second base, and third base. His speed is also notable, with 38 stolen bases recorded in 2023, and he possesses the potential for a double-digit home run season alongside those steals.
However, Kim’s journey in the MLB has been marked by ups and downs. After a rocky start during his rookie season in 2021, where he posted a .202 batting average, he rebounded over the next two years, achieving a .256 average with 28 home runs and 50 steals collectively. His performance even garnered him MVP votes in 2023, signifying that his skill set could translate well on the field. Unfortunately, 2024 brought challenges, including shoulder surgery, and 2025 saw him struggling with injuries, leading to less impressive stat lines with .214 and .253 batting averages with the Rays and Braves respectively.
Given the current structure of the Red Sox infield, there is only one concrete position filled: Trevor Story at shortstop. Although Story was originally brought in to play second base, he has faced difficulties in recent seasons. The team anticipates that young prospect Marcelo Mayer could take on a critical infield role, but his limited Major League experience so far and questions surrounding his offensive capabilities raise uncertainties about relying solely on him.
Boston has considerable financial resources to address this situation, making it feasible to consider adding players like Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso alongside Kim, who is projected to secure a two-year, $30 million contract. This scenario could prove beneficial, provided the Red Sox are confident in Meyer’s development and can identify adequate supplementary options for the infield.
While acquiring Kim poses some risks, such as whether he can regain his past form or if he is closer to his performance from the past couple of seasons, the potential upside could enhance the Red Sox’s lineup. The front office will need to weigh the possible benefits against financial implications in what could be a pivotal offseason for the organization.