'Reserve free agent' Kim Ha-seong ready to open season at shortstop + 3-hole blast

San Diego Padres infielder Ha-seong Kim has completed his exhibition schedule.

He went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA.

Kim drew his first walk of the game in the first inning after falling behind 0-2 when Xander Bogaerts doubled and Jake Cronenweth singled to load the bases. Cronenwirth lined a single to left off Seattle starter Casey Lawrence. Xander Bogaerts followed with a single to center. After leading off the fourth inning with a single and grounding out to third base, Kim was replaced by Leodalis De Vries to start the fifth inning. After batting just 2-for-4 with a home run, four RBIs, six runs scored and three stolen bases in 29 at-bats in last year's exhibition games, Kim finished the exhibition schedule with a 3-for-2 record with a home run, six RBIs, four runs scored and three stolen bases in 31 at-bats.

Kim made the defensive switch from shortstop to second base last year and established himself as an irreplaceable resource for San Diego. As the primary leadoff hitter, he completed a career-high season in 152 games, batting .749 with 17 home runs, 60 RBI, 84 runs scored, 38 doubles, and an OPS of .749, most notably becoming the first Asian player to reach 20 home runs and 40 doubles.

Kim's solid defense earned him National League Gold Glove finalist honors at second base and utility for the second straight year, and he became the first Korean and second Asian to win a Gold Glove in the utility category. The first Asian was Japanese Ichiro Suzuki, who won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves as an outfielder with the Seattle Mariners from 2001-2010.

Kim, now a free agent after a long and arduous journey, pushed superstar Xander Bogaerts out of the way this season to reclaim his primary position at shortstop. He showed off his hot bat in exhibition games, and it was a sign of things to come this season.

On April 26, Fry's on Base, a fan publication that covers San Diego news, published an article titled "Kim's Future Destination Could Be a Nightmare for the Padres.

"While San Diego fans would prefer to focus on this season, the harsh reality is that one of their best players may not be on the roster this time next year. Kim's contract for next season is not guaranteed," he continued.

"If the Padres are unable to agree to a long-term deal with Ha-Sung Kim, there will be several teams interested in him. Unfortunately, there are teams in need of shortstop reinforcements, and it would be a San Diego fan's worst nightmare if Kim ends up going to a team that needs a shortstop."

"Sorry to break it to San Diego fans, but Kim could sign with the LA Dodgers next season. While we would absolutely hate to see Kim sign with San Diego's biggest rival, the team is not in a position to sign him to a long-term contract. The Dodgers, on the other hand, can afford to throw millions of dollars at the top free agents," he said, adding that a move to the Dodgers is likely.